Toronto Maple Leafs: Brendan Shanahan Speaks to Media

The Maple Leafs President than answered questions from the media which resulted in the following answers:

• The discussions did not break down because of money;
• After the press conference on Monday, Shanahan started to realistically think that Dubas was not going to be the general manager for the team;
• He is going to be open minded to all candidates for the general manager spot, but would like someone with experience;
• Ownership was supportive, but it was Shanahan’s recommendation and decision to move on from Dubas;
• Does not regret not signing Dubas last off-season and felt it is not uncommon to go through the last year of a contract without an extension;
• Felt he went to Dubas at the right time when the general manager proved he deserved an extension which was at the deadline;
• Shanahan knew Dubas had considered not coming back prior to the media availability on Monday, but did not think he was going to release that to the public and it made it all more realistic;
• When asked about more personnel moves, he states that he has spoken with most, but still needs to talk to some and feels it should be the responsibility of the new general manager;
• Will lean on Brandon Pridham going forward for the next little bit;
• The replacement needs to be found in short order;
• Does not see Dubas as a failure and that he has put the team where they are at, but needs to find a way to get to the next phase; and
• Shanahan did not want to speak about what needs to change on the roster as he wants to go through that with the new general manager first.

Like it or hate, Kyle Dubas is no longer the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Brendan Shanahan will now need to spend the holiday long weekend finding a new candidate as the team has a very busy six weeks moving forward.