Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas making a power play in Toronto.
The general manager of the Maple Leafs is on an expiring contract and that may work to his advantage.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have put themselves in a precarious situation and it would seem that one high-ranking member of their front office is poised to take advantage of that fact.
Coming into the 2022-23 National Hockey League season, the Maple Leafs opted not to extend the contract of general manager Kyle Dubas. This left Dubas' future in doubt coming into the season and it has subsequently now left it in doubt with the Maple Leafs eliminated at the hands of the Florida Panthers this week.
That decision may now end up costing the Maple Leafs as rumored interest from rival teams has reportedly opened up the door to a power play from Dubas, who suddenly finds himself with several options as he looks around the NHL. On Saturday, Maple Leafs insider James Mirtle all but confirmed as much when he revealed that his sources were indicating that not only will Dubas be seeking more money, but also more control.
From Mirtle:
Dubas, those close to him say, will want to be paid handsomely, especially if there are other offers from the likes of Pittsburgh, Calgary or even division rival Ottawa. And he will want greater job security and autonomy within whatever structure Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment settles on.
I reported the rumored interest in Dubas all the way back in March of this year and I shared my belief then that this could be used by Dubas and his representatives in negotiations. Since that initial report a number of teams around the league have made significant changes, only adding to the number of opportunities out there for Dubas.
Adding to the complications for the Leafs will be Dubas' own desires, especially with so many options potentially on the table. It is not impossible that Dubas would prefer to be general manager of a different team, or have a desire to live in a different city, or even wish to be away from the intense pressure cooker that is the Toronto media frenzy around the Maple Leafs.
The only thing that seems to be certain now is that, if the Maple Leafs wish to move forward with their current GM, retaining Dubas will cost the Leafs considerably more than it would have earlier.
