Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan was correct to dismiss Kyle Dubas. The now ex-general manager of the Leafs left him little choice. Dubas just completed his most successful season with the team and stability in upper management usually coincides with successful organizations. This summer also brings important contract negotiations and roster decisions on key players. Up until Dubas’ Monday press conference, it seemed likely that he would be back.
During his session with the media, Dubas offered hesitancy about whether he would return to his post as general manager due to the stress of the job and its effect on his family. He should be commended for being forthright and honest, but this ultimately proved to be his undoing. While empathetic to Dubas’ situation, Shanahan saw this as a lack of conviction and he made the first major decision of the Leafs’ offseason. It was the right call for a variety of reasons.
Team Needs Unquestioned Commitment
As soon as Dubas publicly admitted he was unsure of his return, he opened up to criticism. Everyone understands the pressure of managing a hockey-mad Toronto team, but wavering about whether to continue a job that most would jump at is perplexing. Why make that public? This is a comment that should have been stated in private conversations with Shanahan as part of contract negotiations.
Just like that it became hard for Shanahan to justify bringing back Dubas. Players and other members of the organization are no doubt compassionate and understanding of the pressures of the market. Yet, being told to block the outside noise becomes more difficult when wondering if your off-ice leader is capable of doing the same.
Leafs Need An Injection of Volatility
Without some meaningful change this offseason, the Leafs are in danger of the “blue and white disease” returning. For years, this organization was plagued by complacency. Players were happy to don the Leafs’ jersey and accept all the perks that come with it without needing to worry about winning. Dubas committed himself to Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Morgan Rielly. He showed his dedication to them in varying ways with significant contracts, no-trade clauses, or an ability to hit free agency in their primes.
They have all publicly stated their desire to remain Maple Leafs. Almost all general managers around the league would have given the same commitment, but perhaps for more term and less money on an average annual value (AAV) basis. Many that follow the organization would be upset to see any of them leave. With Shanahan dismissing Dubas, he has given the team a “jolt” and made things uncomfortable. Players now see that major changes can happen. There will be a new GM and potentially a new coach to impress. Something that surely will get the players’ attention. Maybe enough for them to realize what they have and keep the band together without sacrificing core players from their roster.
New GM Provides Opportunity to Change Culture
Dubas’ tenure as general manager was far from unsuccessful. The Maple Leafs’ history makes them an easy target for fans of other teams around the league, but most organizations would love to have their problems. They are currently tied for the longest active streak of making the Stanley Cup playoffs. They have state-of-the-art facilities and off-ice personnel that are the envy of many. Team players genuinely spoke highly of their chemistry. Mid-season player additions raved about their experience as Leafs. Many of them spoke about being open to a return to the team. Dubas certainly deserves credit for playing a large part in developing this culture. He also demonstrated a willingness to adapt and make adjustments in recent years, realizing that some grit and toughness were required to go along with all of that skill.
Despite his achievements, Dubas was unable to convince his stars to take less money to benefit the organization. The Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Boston Bruins all have cultures in place that do this. Perhaps, the next GM of the Leafs can convince them. It says there that Shanahan was correct to dismiss Dubas and give them the chance.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
