Toronto Maple Leafs: Will Kyle Dubas Go Back on His Word?

To say that the last few days have been a little chaotic for the Toronto Maple Leafs would be an understatement to say the least.

On Friday, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that they have parted ways with now former GM Kyle Dubas. It was later that day where team president, Brendan Shanahan gave us the details as to what led to the departure of Dubas.

Now a few days, it has been reported that the Pittsburgh Penguins have received permission to speak to the former Leafs GM.

The Pens missed out on the playoffs this season for the first time since 2006 with a 40-31-11 record, which led them to overhaul their entire front office, firing both Brian Burke and Ron Hextall from their hockey of operations and general manager roles.

Previously Kyle Dubas said that it was Toronto or nowhere next season, now the question is will he go back on his word?

Will ex Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas Go Back on His Word?

“It’s either Toronto or nowhere.”

It is unclear whether Dubas has interest in the GM spot in Pittsburgh as in Monday’s wild season-ending press conference, he stated that “it’s Toronto or nowhere,” in regards of what he will do next season. He explained, “It will either be here, or it will be taking time to recalibrate on the season here…You won’t see me next week popping up elsewhere, I can’t put them through that.”

It is obvious Dubas is putting his family first and rightfully so. He has been with Toronto since 2014 when he became the clubs assistant general manager, then took over as the teams GM after Lou Lamoriello was removed from the position.

In his time with Toronto, Dubas made the playoffs in each of his five years, making it out of the first round once when the Leafs beat the Lightning in six games this season to make it to the second round for the first time since 2004.

Now what about the Penguins side of things? Well, it is clear they need to make some changes within their roster as it was their worst regular season in 16 years. They consistently made the playoffs, however, have not made it past the first round since 2018.

With all of the teams success over the last decade, it leaves their prospect pool to be a little dry, something Dubas can fix as he has proven to scout and draft well as seen with the Leafs.

The 37-year-old is also a proven winner at every level he has been at…minus the NHL. But he was only with Toronto for five years, so there will be plenty of suitors Dubas, as he makes his decision on whats next for him.