The Toronto Maple Leafs are no strangers to rumors. Usually, it’s the players being discussed, but lately, it has been team general manager Kyle Dubas.
With no contract extension from the Toronto Maple Leafs yet, it is understandable that some would assume that Kyle Dubas is leaving. With the recent firings of Ron Hextall and Brian Burke in Pittsburgh, Dubas’ name is being mentioned as a possible replacement.
As more and more teams make front-office changes, it will not be surprising to see Kyle Dubas’ name come up. The Calgary Flames recently fired general manager Brad Treliving. There might also be a GM opening in Philadelphia unless they decide to keep Daniel Briere. He is currently holding the title of interim GM.
Kyle Dubas has a lot riding on the Toronto Maple Leafs being successful in the 2023 NHL playoffs. What level of success will earn him a new contract to stay in Toronto is unknown. Some would suggest that as long as Toronto makes it to the second round, Dubas will be safe. Others believe that Toronto needs to reach the Eastern Conference final.
Where This Toronto Maple Leafs Rumor Started
Frank Seravalli from the dailyfaceoff.com suggests there is a power struggle inside the Maple Leafs organization between Brendan Shanahan and Kyle Dubas. The strange thing is, anyone who knows the Maple Leafs knows that information like that would not be openly shared with the press or public. I would suggest that fans take Seravalli’s rumor of a power struggle with a grain of salt.
Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet more or less debunked the Dubas rumors on a recent episode of 32 Thoughts. He mentions that after talking with other teams, it’s obvious that Dubas is likely staying in Toronto. Friedman quoted one executive saying, “He’s got the best winning percentage (among GMs post-expansion) in franchise history,” one executive laughed. “He’s not going anywhere.” (Yes, yes, we all know and recognize the playoff issue.)
Over the past few years, it has become clear that Kyle Dubas is well-liked amongst other NHL executives. If Toronto decides not to re-sign Dubas, I don’t think it will take long for another team to offer him a job.
Teams have been trying to lure him out of Toronto since he was the GM for the Toronto Marlies more than five years ago.