This morning, Kyle Dubas held a Press Conference held in lieu of practice for the Toronto Maple Leafs today. The seldom-heard from Leafs general manager touched on a number of pressing topics, such as the Leafs’ recent collective cold streak, Auston Matthews’ pending extension, and the upcoming 2019 Trade Deadline.

As Kyle Dubas treads into his second calendar year as Leafs General Manager, he peers down the back end of the schedule at the helm of this hockey club for the first time. Naturally, some might be skeptical of the approaches he intends on taking moving forward.

Thankfully, we have many places to look for comparables and for guidance – and Kyle Dubas should, too. Despite working under the tutelage of Lou Lamoriello for three seasons, now would not be a wise time for Dubas to continue his days of apprenticeship as complete. Taking a look around the league, it’s not hard to find smart men that Dubas could turn to for some additional pointers and a greater sense of direction in these important and decisive times.

There has been much speculation of late as to whether the Leafs will look to bolster their blueline ahead of what they hope to be a deep playoff run this spring. As recently as this weekend, it was reported by Nick Kypreos on Hockey Night In Canada that the Leafs would be willing to part ways with pieces as valuable as their 2019 1st-round selection, or a prospect like Timothy Liljegren, if the right fit were to come around.

Needless to say, moving either of these pieces would not exactly spell out process-minded thinking on Kyle Dubas’ part, and would likely reflect poorly on the rookie GM’s vision for this club moving forward. When comparing these potential knee-jerk moves to some of the better fleshed-out, philosophically minded deals made by Vancouver GM Jim Benning, it becomes clear that such high-stakes moves need not be made for success to be had.

Take Benning’s 2016 move to acquire right-handed defenseman Erik Gudbranson from the Florida Panthers, for example. The move cost Benning a mere second-round draft pick and centre Jared McCann, and has netted Vancouver a staple on their third pairing, hopefully for years to come.

Would a panic move for a rental defenseman, at the expense of a first-rounder or Timothy Liljegren, really be the right move now? Looking at Jim Benning’s poise and the return on his investments, the answer would appear to be a resounding no. Deep breaths, Kyle. The sky is not falling, and a tenured blue-liner like Gudbranson who won’t up and leave can be had on the cheap with the right move.

Moving beyond the General Manager’s chair, another Jim – this time Jim Lites in Dallas – has set an impressive precedent for integrity and accountability as President of the Dallas Stars hockey club.

Recently calling out star forwards Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin for playing like “F—— Horses—“, half of those players have responded marvelously in the time since. Seguin has 7 goals in 11 games to his name since being called out, and it’s only a matter of time before Benn gets going, too. Perhaps slumping forwards Auston Matthews and (of course) William Nylander could use a similar kick in the pants. Since when did a little brutal honesty hurt anybody?

It’s fair to admit that Kyle is new here – it’s even fair to admit that he represents the new guard. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with the new guard kicking it a little old school from time to time, and Jim Lites represents the benefits of the latter mentality perfectly.

Pierre Dorion may be in the wrong place at the wrong time within a miserable Ottawa Senators organization, but one thing’s for certain: he is not afraid to trade with the San Jose Sharks.

From the Mike Hoffman trade that exemplified a genius “you scratch my back, I scratch yours” mentality to the Erik Karlsson deal that loaded the Senators’ prospect cupboard for years to come, Dorion has shown an ability to make deals with the San Jose Sharks that leaves Kyle Dubas firmly in the dust, and shows that he’s still got a lot to learn.

Are you frustrated by how poorly Patrick Marleau has performed for $6.25 million? You aren’t alone. Marleau has been a major letdown, and could be a salary cap boat anchor with impending extensions for Auston Matthews and Mitchell Marner quickly approaching.

Had Dubas been able to build a rapport with Pierre Dorion, he might have been able to learn a thing or two about dealing with the San Jose Sharks, and could have found a way to send Marleau back where his illustrious career began, and – I’m sure we all agree – where it should end.

Do you miss Curtis McElhinney? Would you like to have Curtis McElhinney for three more years at $4.5 million per, essentially guaranteeing the best goaltending tandem in the National Hockey League, defense be damned?

If so, you’re probably kicking yourself over Kyle Dubas’ absolute refusal to call up Peter Chiarelli and ask how in the world he swung the Mikko Koskinen deal. And that’s not even the half of it.

Daring to drop some deadweight to make a splash for a defenseman in Adam Larsson. Moving on from Jordan Eberle for a string of passing names and picks that could have turned into anything. Peter Chiarelli gets things done, and has meant business since arriving on the scene in Edmonton.

With the playoffs approaching, the Leafs may be poised for yet another first-round exit. Perhaps they aren’t daring enough. Perhaps they aren’t ready. Perhaps Kyle Dubas is simply just too new.

Chiarelli’s Oilers have danced the dance, all the way to the second round of the Stanley Cuo Playoffs in 2017. He’s here to stay – and so are the moves he’s made, with each one cemented firmly to this Oilers team, likely for years to come.

Your move, Kyle. I’d suggest picking up the phone, and swallowing your pride.