Brendan Shanahan met with the media on Friday. He famous that final offseason he had talked with Kyle Dubas about ending out his present contract with out an extension in place in order that Dubas might be judged on the complete tenure of his first stint because the GM. When it grew to become clear the Leafs have been proud of the work Dubas had performed, they wished to get him signed. When doubt crept in that Dubas truly wished to stay GM, Shanahan began to have his doubts.
Shanahan mentioned he thought Dubas had NHL Trade Deadline. He mentioned he approached Dubas and mentioned he’d seen sufficient in his thoughts to supply Dubas an extension. He informed Dubas to speak to his household, Dubas did so and got here again every week later and mentioned he was comfy transferring ahead. He didn’t need the method of a brand new extension to be a distraction.
The group and GM moved on and Shanahan talked to Dubas’ agent and mentioned these conversations have been optimistic. He assumed the agent was providing updates and Shanahan felt that when the season ended or between playoff rounds, they might make an official announcement. If issues within the playoffs went properly, Shanahan felt each side may transfer ahead collectively. When the season ended abruptly in spherical 2, Shanny wished to maneuver ahead shortly and Dubas was offered with a framework that was reflective of what he and his agent mentioned. Kyle took the contract supply and appeared happy to obtain the supply so shortly. They talked about doing media, however solely after a deal was closed. Dubas wished to speak to the media and Shanahan revered that. At that time, Dubas talked about that every one of this had been fairly laborious on his household.
When Dubas did the media convention, Shanahan realized that Dubas hinting he won’t wish to be the GM was a difficulty for him. Understanding the strain that everybody was underneath, Shanahan realized that he may must look some place else. He started to take action, nonetheless hoping Dubas could be completely happy to remain on. When Shanahan didn’t have any extra readability after which lastly met privately a few days later, their assembly additional made him really feel like Dubas’ head wasn’t in it. Shanahan mentioned his focus then once more continued in direction of questioning what the group would appear like with a brand new GM.
On Thursday, Shanahan was informed that Dubas’ agent would attain out and when he was contacted, a brand new monetary bundle was offered to him. There was a niche between what was counteroffered, however Dubas did wish to be the GM. Shanahan, by then, had gotten to a brand new place in his head about what was greatest for the group. Shanahan took a bit of time to consider issues and Shanahan in the end informed Dubas they’d not be renewing his contract.
Shanahan mentioned he appreciated Dubas’ honesty about his household scenario and his love for the job. He is aware of that any function, not simply in Toronto, will be tough for anybody on any group.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
Shanahan mentioned that he would instantly start pursuing candidates for the following GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs. When requested if this broke down over cash, Shanahan mentioned it was greater than that. It was motivated by Dubas’ uncertainty about how a lot he had the fervour to be the group’s GM. When he noticed Dubas’ press convention, Shanahan hadn’t dominated Dubas out, however he had doubts.
As for what’s subsequent, Shanahan mentioned he’s centered extra on hiring an skilled common supervisor. As for if coaches will stay or different personnel choices shall be made, Shanahan mentioned that a number of the choices should be the duty of the brand new GM. He mentioned he would lean closely on Brandon Pridham, however that there are lots of individuals contained in the group which might be prepared to return again and do the work that must be performed to stay aggressive.
The Leafs received’t rush the choice on a brand new GM, however the resolution to rent somebody is a precedence and he believes {that a} new GM must be employed slightly quickly. When requested if Pridham was going to be thought-about for the function of latest GM, Shanahan mentioned he wouldn’t rule anybody out at this level. He mentioned that the group has a workers in place that may get to work on the NHL Draft and whereas wounded by at present’s information, they’re ready to do the job and get to the following stage.
How Will Dubas Feel About All of This?
Pierre LeBrun of TSN notes, “Kyle Dubas respectfully declined to comment when I reached out just now. There will be a time and a place for that, he said.”
It shall be attention-grabbing to listen to Dubas’ facet of the story when he speaks about this. Shanahan makes it seems like Dubas’ dragging his ft and coming again with a better counteroffer let doubt creep in and the Leafs determined there have been higher, extra motivated individuals on the market.
Next: Could the Maple Leafs Pass on Re-Signing Michael Bunting?
