For the latest Leafs updates or Follow @mikeinbuffalo on Twitter The Toronto Maple Leafs made their choice to replace Lou Lamoriello and as expected, the club has promoted Kyle Dubas to become the 17th General Manager in the club’s 101 year history. Dubas, 32, was one of the first people hired to join Shanahan’s management team in the summer of 2014 after three seasons as GM of the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League. With Toronto, Dubas shared interim GM responsibilities with Asst. GM Mark Hunter prior to Lamoriello's hiring in July, 2015, has served as GM of the AHL Toronto Marlies and had input in player personnel and player development decisions.
"Over the past four seasons, there has been a major transformation of our franchise, thanks to the work of Lou, Mike (Babcock) and his staff, Mark Hunter and his staff, Brandon Pridham in our office and so on and so forth, but the most difficult part of our journey lies ahead." Dubas said at his introductory press conference on Friday. "At that point, it is up to us to continue to use the great resources we have here at MLSE, and also be the most resourceful team that we can be."
Team President Brendan Shanahan announcing the hiring of Kyle Dubas as the #Leafs new GM at Air Canada Centre. pic.twitter.com/wBEiJYf9G4
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) May 11, 2018
The question now for the Leafs organization is whether there will be fallout from the decision to hire Dubas. Hunter, who is given credit for the Leafs improved scouting and talent evaluation, has aspirations to be a GM and Shanahan indicated after the press conference he was well qualified for the position in spite of not being the choice, which eventually could lead to his departure.
Possible additions to the club's management team may occur if Hunter pursues other NHL opportunities or returns to the OHL's London Knights. The only current vacant GM position is Minnesota and there are rumors that Nashville Asst. GM Paul Fenton is the leading candidate.
Lamoriello stated last week that he will shift to a senior advisory role with the Leafs, but there continues to be rumors that the Hall-of-Famer is drawing interest from the New York Islanders, either as Team President or as a replacement for GM Garth Snow.
"The answer to (possible additions)would be totally dependent on what happens with everybody (within the organization). Other people may move to greater opportunity elsewhere throughout the whole organization." Dubas said. "I've always tried to have a good network of people that I think could potentially fill in, because I just never want to be caught empty handed if we have a transition or we have a move anywhere in the organization across all facets."
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