Brendan Shanahan explains why Leafs declined to renew Kyle Dubas
In a shockingly honest press conference from Leafs President Brendan Shanahan, the exact details of Kyle Dubas' firing were communicated to the media. Despite wanting to extend Kyle Dubas earlier this week, a counteroffer from Dubas' agent caused the team to think differently and elect to let him go.
Dubas himself seemingly had a heartfelt press conference earlier this week following the team's loss in five games to the Florida Panthers. Dubas relayed to the media that amid concerns for his family, he may step away from hockey entirely. However, as Shanahan revealed today, Dubas did eventually decide to return to the job - but by then, Shanahan had changed his mind.
When making the final decision to return to negotiations for GM with the Leafs, Dubas presented a massive counteroffer, reportedly making him the highest paid GM in the league by far and giving unprecedented control over hockey operations. With the time off already considering other GM candidates and the new contract offer from Dubas, Shanahan decided to move on.
The intricate inside details of the executive negotiations have been surprisingly public, especially for the Toronto Maple Leafs. As it stands, the Leafs will now enter an offseason without Auston Matthews signed, in a unprecedented stretch of playoff failure, and without a general manager. The Leafs will be a team to watch closely for weeks to come this offseason.
