Kyle Dubas releases statement following departure from Maple Leafs organization
By Nick Barden
11 months agoJust four days after being let go from the Maple Leafs, Kyle Dubas released a statement regarding the departure from his role as the GM in Toronto.
Dubas’ statement reads:
While I understand there is interest surrounding the circumstances of my departure, I will not get into the specifics of what I consider to be reasonable and consistent but private discussions. In the days that I felt I needed to assess and evaluate my own view to the future, both with respect to the necessary direction of the Club and ensuring that I had the full support of my family for what I knew would be required in the offseason and years to follow, the organization, as is their right to do, decided to go in a different direction.In the nine seasons since being afforded the opportunity to work in the National Hockey League for the Toronto Maple Leafs, we have had the chance to learn a lot and have grown significantly through the ups and downs. We have watched our family double in size while developing meaningful relationships which will last a lifetime. It was an honour to be able to work in such an inspiring place, with dedicated, loyal people and an extremely passionate fan base. The impact of that and the relationships with all of the people at MLSE, from the board of directors through to the ushers at Scotiabank Arena, will forever hold a dear place in our hearts.To the players, coaches and staff at the facility each day, past and present, thank you for your passion and commitment at every step of the journey together. It was a tremendous pleasure to work alongside you each day.
We will roll from here.-The Dubas Family
It’s yet to be seen where Dubas might end up following this situation with MLSE and the Maple Leafs. There have been reports that Toronto has given the Pittsburgh Penguins permission to speak with the former Maple Leafs GM.
Another report from DailyFaceoff’s Frank Seravalli says that Dubas wanted full autonomy over hockey operations, which would him to make decisions easier and faster.
Dubas’ exit has also left a lot of uncertainty around whether Toronto will be able to keep Auston Matthews or not. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that “nobody’s really sure” whether the Maple Leafs will be able to sign the 25-year-old by July 1st — the day he’s able to sign an extension.
From every angle possible, this situation looks as messy it could’ve been. We know the next step for Shanahan is looking for a new GM, and he wants to find one fairly quick.
But will he find the right person for the job, and will it be a quick enough find where it’s a good hire? All of that is yet to be seen.
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