The Leafs are publicly IMPLODING

The Toronto Maple Leafs just parted ways with Kyle Dubas in a very public press conference. We'll talk about what that means and more in today's NHL hockey video!

[@spyagent]

No, Dubas did not waste the careers of Matthews and Marner. They decided to waste their own careers

[@Dougie-ex1ov]

100%

[@seanmyers5703]

Decided?

[@toddlauretteHabsFan]

I couldn't agree more, Dubas's job was to put together a team that could win the cup, and he did that.

[@lesevesel2898]

EXACTLY THIS.

[@zainery]

Lmao bro they still arent even in their prime years wtf u talking about

[@Steve-o-wl1yc]

He looked more passionate in the team box than players generally did on the ice.

[@scatterthewinds3126]

because his paycheck was on the line and the players already have theirs.

[@Steve-o-wl1yc]

@@scatterthewinds3126 …technically true for 80-90% of all players, so yeah, GREAT point.

[@gooburt]

@@scatterthewinds3126 yeah like... literally everyone? what are you talking about

[@scottbaron121]

Truth.

[@lapoose325]

​@@gooburt Contracts have performance bonuses

[@ouromov2895]

Dunno, I don't think this has ever been a GM problem. It's the players not showing up or showing any heart or will to win. There could be a 100 Gudas' screaming in their goalies face and they wouldn't move to defend them or pay back. Hell if Gudas uppercutted their grandma they would just focus on looking depressed after a loss instead of firing up. TLDR: This is not Dubas' fault.

[@steve8803]

@Ouromov Of course it's Dubas' fault. He assembled a soft team that has no push back. You said it yourself, the players he picked wouldn't defend shit! It's the GMs job to find and hire players willing to go to war.

[@pomerlain8924]

When the GM signs 3 guys who've never won anything to $10M+ a year contracts and has 4 forwards taking up 40% of the cap, it is a GM problem. Couple that with the fact those forwards all have the same soft mindset. And the fact that the highest paid players didn't show up makes those contracts look even worse.

[@scottinnh88]

Exactly it's the players. The ownership got you to the playoffs. Not only that the owners went all in at the trade deadline. Meaning owners thought this core could win.

[@scottinnh88]

Panthers destroyed my Bruins so I understand it sucks.

[@ouromov2895]

@@steve8803 It's also the coaches job to develop players into the mentality of going into war and the players' job to give their own effort. You can't just single out the GM in all of this

[@billybill1272]

It’s clearly not Dubas’ fault when Matthews Tavares and Marner combine for zero goals in the second round. The team has a massive mentality issue, not a bad gm.

[@joeyparker4287]

marner had one 😂😂😂

[@billybill1272]

@@joeyparker4287 oh yeah 😂😂😂

[@carletonrutherford1799]

@@billybill1272 Who signed those players to HUGE contracts? Did the players just sign those contracts with the Leafs themselves? No, Dubas signed them. Instead of growing some balls and moving 1 or 2 of them over the last 4 or 5 years. He re-signed them, and stuck by them. Dubas never dealt properly regarding goaltending. He never made a big move for a big solid top pairing defenceman. He tinkered. He tinkered around the edges. If you don't think the entire problem with the Leafs right now, is on Dubas, AND Shanaplan, then you haven't really been paying attention.

[@jediknightfalcon]

Who signed em. Thabks good day

[@shaylelarue787]

Not Dubas fault

[@RyanLuca581]

dubas did his job. The Stars didnt show up. Cant blame a GM for that

[@braygun44]

The question comes to the team around the stars- was it built up to support the core 4

[@donjuan4067]

He signed rewarded the stars that didn't show up with fat contracts. He never traded any of them to shake thing up and send a message

[@howdareyouexist]

dubas decided to keep them year after year of failure so you can blame the gm lmao

[@abrahamben-dayan9843]

@@donjuan4067 Auston Matthews scored 50 goals last year. That is an objectively good signing. The team that beat them in the 1st round later went onto the finals.

[@Sidious6460]

People truly believe that ? 😂 Lol who put the roster together? If the players he built around weren't good enough, if coach he picked got regularly outcoached - that is on him. I could've told you and did say ahead of time that his teams weren't good enough. This year was first year he made some good moves and I credit that. But too little too late. Dubas failed to put together a winning team and he had a bad philosophy most of his tenure.

[@Venture143]

as a Oilers fan, I'm glad that we got our hands on Hyman

[@heathclark318]

Bunting has not and cannot replace Hyman. Hyman's play and much more his leadership which I think has shown through during his tenure with the Oilers is sorely missed.

[@richardsmusic5577]

Yeah Hyman is great ..... Oilers made a good deal there 👌

[@Skynertia]

Holland isn't great at signings, but Kane and Hyman have aged well.

[@floop74]

I was so pissed when we traded Hyman. Was my favourite player on the Leafs

[@YouCantDeleteDenzelL]

Hyman is my absolute favourite. We Oilers fans are SO lucky to have him

[@abrahamben-dayan9843]

To me, this is a very clear scapegoat job. Their top stars didn’t show up, and they need somebody to take the fall. Dubas deserves better.

[@ogreman2229]

While I agree with what you’re saying, in principle, you could easily argue that they are his superstars, and therefore them not showing up is still a reflection on him and the team he built.

[@abrahamben-dayan9843]

@@ogreman2229 Listen, it’s the GM’s job to make the best decision with the information they have available at the time. When you sign a player, you have absolutely no control over a playoff performance years in the future. That’s on Matthews/Marner. I understand people make their judgments based off of the results, but it’s not how it should be. He assembled an all star roster.

[@IceyAces]

This os ridiculous. Dubas said himself he wasnt sure he didnt want to return. They didnt want to run the risk of him doing a half assed job or leaving them unexpectedly

[@Unholy_Louie]

What you're saying is insanity. It's not normal to have such a low bar, especially for a GM. There is something very very wrong in this fanbase, seriously.

[@2kofawsome]

​@@abrahamben-dayan9843 Your argument does not make sense, if "we would be singing praise if the starts showed up" then that means they are his stars, a reflection of him. If they showed up he gets praised, if they dont show up he gets blamed, thats not a fallacy.

[@braygun44]

I think dubas did a good job given his position, not the best, but good. the core 4 played regular season hockey in the playoffs, expecting calls instead of playing a physical game. At the end of the day someone has to wear it, and in this case it’s the GM.

[@chrisnewby5713]

Cope

[@Moneyovertruth]

He picked the core 4 tho 😂 they are a bunch of pussies for 40 million.... how the fuck could any real hockey fan not know that this team has no heart and no chance in playoffs... even as half a leaf fan. I have never thought leafs had a chance at a cup since 93 lol

[@steve8803]

@Braygun44 The fans have to wear it too! They all cheered when that meanie poo Babock got fired for trying to instill leadership in, and harden his young core players. Y'all cheered when the softer than baby shit coach Shelly Queef took his place. You wanted a soft bench boss, you get a soft team. Simple as that!

[@Crosina]

@@chrisnewby5713 lol I don’t think u know what that word means

[@DoBap_]

Dubas made mistakes early on, but clearly learned from them, and improved massively at the position. I totally wanted him to stay, as he’s been pretty deadly these last couple of years.

[@nathanspreitzer6738]

More of Mathew’s and Marner’s fault than Dubas’

[@dasportsfan2122]

More of a Mathews, Tavares fault honestly . Marner, Reilly and Nylander proved that they were good these playoffs atleast round 1. Mathews especially because he did nothing in round 2

[@carletonrutherford1799]

@@matt2004. Wow, he carried them all the way to round 2?!?! That is awesome! If Dubas stayed, after all that success of beating a tired Tampa team, Matthews would be getting a $15.34 contract for 8 years.

[@dereksbooks]

Who kept these players? Your insane logic is like saying that it's not the buyer's fault for buying a blatant and obvious lemon car. It's the car's fault for breaking down. 🤦

[@josephstalin4906]

@@dereksbooks Wtf colour of the car has to do with it breaking down? Your own logic isn't better than his.

[@nathanspreitzer6738]

@@dereksbooks obvious? These players are 40 goal scorers, it is indeed their fault they sht the bed in the playoffs lol

[@cjcj2940]

Calling this era a "compete window" is being generous. Compete is one thing this group needs more of.

[@Tam0de]

Dubas should have stuck with whatever number him & Shanahan discussed about. He's in no position to ask for a raise given the circumstances. Having said that, not happy to see him go. As a matter of fact, I would have preferred to see Shanahan leave.

[@spearson103]

When does Shanny get to experience some consequences for his failures?

[@tdunph4250]

That sounds like illogical thinking on your part

[@scatterthewinds3126]

he didnt fail. he's not the GM

[@UTDfan97893]

he deserves to be fired for hiring Dubas in the first place

[@spearson103]

@@scatterthewinds3126 The GM wasn't on the ice either. But who hired the GM?

[@Roller11111]

​@@homielander5924 yeah as a player a few decades ago. As a team executive it's a totally different matter. Also it's been reported that the big reason why Dubas was let go was because he wanted more autonomy to run the team as opposed to having guys like Shanny and the board give their consent to moves. If this is true, and he likely needed an ok to do so, then Shanny should be out the door.

[@SeemsLikeSomething]

Everyone is miffed and confused about why this amazing roster couldn’t get the job done. Everyone has theories about it. Bottom line is, Dubas put together what appeared to be an offensive monster that could outscore the competition. They didn’t. Maybe they will in the future but this just looks like results dictating the outcome. You can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. Something’s gotta give. I guess Dubas was the first victim of that. He tried. I wish him the best. Hopefully this isn’t a mistake, who even knows any more…?

[@justincowen441]

What’s the old saying “defense wins games”? Half of which none of the O participate in doing.

[@jenniferandrews6556]

Well said =)

[@logand3957]

Yeah solid take. I think Dubas put together a solid team that SHOULD have made a serious run this year. And if that’s the case, how can anyone say he didn’t do his job well? I’m sure he will be back at some point and I’m excited to see where and what he does

[@blueknight5754]

Defense wins championships…look at the final four.

[@junk3996]

regular season is offensive fancy pants stuff - playoffs is a different game. a game matthews, marner, etc haven't adapted to yet - thats a coaching issue. leafs could barely even enter the offensive zone on the PP against tampa - no adaptation, no change, coach issue leafs couldn't deal with florida forecheck and their gap control was competely terrible allowing them to get hemmed in their own zone. coaching. leafs kept trying fancy east to west instead of grindy and gritty north to south in the playoffs. coaching. i can understand parting ways with dubas given the alleged insider info about the back and forths etc. dubas did his job and IMO did it well but his public statement of sitting on the fence and yet hitting back with a higher price in negotiations - yeah cut him loose. as for the team...its hard to say. i'd like to see a coach fit for the team, but at this point who cares. blow it all up, it probably isn't going to make a difference. nobody that works for toronto maple leafs gets paid to win, and thats a huge issue.

[@DarrenGervaisHarrison]

As a lifelong Leafs fan, I’ve warmed up to the decision throughout the course of the day. I think you nailed it in why this isn’t terrible and it actually makes a lot of sense. Thanks for this!

[@CD-tk2oc]

Lmao this is wild, blame Dubas then go on to list all of the good moves he made. He found so much value with zero cap space. This video is a wild miss.

[@pomerlain8924]

Guess who's the reason why they had zero cap space?

[@truecanuck97]

He was with Toronto for a while. Dubas had his time to cook and the product was unappetizing. Lunch service was ok but when it came to Sunday night dinner, it was an expensive experience that Toronto can't wait to forget.

[@dereksbooks]

He kept a soft, heartless core group of players (and overpaid for them) despite knowing that they were pathetic in the playoffs. The only way that he should be excused for his blatant failure is if the core four had a proven history of playoff performance, which they absolutely do not. Then there are clowns who want to blame the coach for the entire fiasco, not recognizing that Dubas signed the coach. 😂

[@SIGuy7480]

The JT contract was a mistake they should of got a good Dman

[@koylesmasterpeice]

Dubas always got the big depth pieces that the Leafs needed for a playoff push, and he made great free-agent signings-got players to sign under market value. He did his job, and I wish that he was still around. Hopefully, Shanahan is out of here soon. If there is a guy in management that has a past expiry date stamped on his forehead it's that guy.

[@phils6733]

Yeah I would think so, he ultimately brought in Babcock and that didn’t pan out, let Lou slide passed on hunter and brought in a young analytics guy to run the biggest nhl franchise in the world. I would have figured shanahan would have wanted his team to be a reflection of how he was as a player…always struck me as weird that this kid got the better of him. Everyone knows you need a mix of toughness heart and skill to make a run at at…shanahan as a president with no prior experience is also a concern 😂

[@Bryonic-xb6ol]

Nah, Kyle Dubas would be one of the best GMs. He built a superteam on paper. The team let him down, he didnt let the team down. Cosching, players, etc etc. He was a good gm, great even. Excited to see where he goes next.

[@ct-117]

He did build a great team on paper. But hockey is played on ice.

[@DogoodPOG]

If he was as good as you say he would have fired Keefe last year.

[@howdareyouexist]

he built a first round exit team lmao

[@Bryonic-xb6ol]

@CT- 117 okay so you want Kyle to pick up a stick and get down there, got it.

[@Bryonic-xb6ol]

@@howdareyouexist no Keefe coached a first round team. Dubas gave him tools, Keefe blew it.

[@DoBap_]

Dubas made some mistakes early on that somewhat kneecapped him in the future, but they way he learned from those mistakes, and navigated his way around them is undeniably incredible. The man truly has the passion, and the talent. Then when he does return, someone is going to be really lucky to have him navigate their rebuild.

[@Caennuck]

I wouldn't even say they were mistakes. They were predicated on the announced expectation that the cap was going to rise dramatically. Then the world shut down. "Hockey mind failed to predict economy disrupting global pandemic" is the headline to this comment, and it's probably the least surprising statement I have ever read.

[@DoBap_]

@@Caennuck very true, imagine what the Leafs could've done if the salary cap was at about $90M.

[@carletonrutherford1799]

He "learned from those mistakes, and navigated his way around them" Oh, did he? Is that why all of the soft 4 are still wearing Leafs uniforms? Is that why they finally made it to the 2nd round, then absolutely collapsed. Maybe they should have run it back again, like they have done for the last 5 years or so?

[@canadianroot]

Albotross contracts, and a lack of goaltending depth I think were his biggest blunders.

[@Caennuck]

@@carletonrutherford1799 He literally stated in his exit interview that his intent was to make significant change. Maybe that’s the real reason he was fired. Maybe MLSE saw the disposal of superstar players as a threat to their opportunity to sucker excited Toronto fans into $600 tickets.

[@Farrell_instincts]

He came from my hometown and everyone here kinda knows him. It's a shame that he has been let go, he was extremely passionate about the sport.

[@corymac1140]

Not one move was made on that team that Shanahan didn't approve of, that fawk face needs to go too.

[@MrWaifuTaker]

Leafs logic: Throwing out Kyle Dubas when Marner and Matthews didn't do shite in the playoffs.

[@donjuan4067]

Leafs fans Logic: Thank Dubas and consider him a GM for 1 playoff victory in 5 years, never changing anything especially when Marner and Matthews didn't do shite in the playoffs.

[@pi1794]

Who protected and refused to ever trade any of those players?

[@carbb5760]

At the end of the day the Tavares signing and captaincy is what sunk this group.

[@haitolawrence5986]

They're his guys and they never show up. That's on him.

[@howdareyouexist]

dubas logic: keep loser marner and matthews on the team when they didnt do shite in the playoffs lol

[@bighandsome9165]

He assembled a pretty impressive roster. The results weren't there on the ice. I think this will be good for Dubas as I could imagine how much the pressure of the Toronto market must weigh on your shoulders. His next team will be lucky to have him.

[@RechargeAndRevolt]

I hope this is the right move... I think this is also the coaching and the players downfall/blame as much as Dubas'. are they going to blow up the team next? who can fill his spot? guess we'll have to find out on the next episode, lol.

[@mikem9536]

I hear Benning and Green are looking for work.

[@alizah8042]

Yeah, I think the biggest and most impactful decision that could have been made was to either fire Keefe or get him a very experienced NHL level assistant coach to both help him and be in position to take over if the team dips mid season. Keefes game management was abysmal in the playoffs. They need better if they're gonna make another run.

[@junk3996]

@@alizah8042 precisely keefe got massively outcoached, and just had zero level of adaptation for what he was facing against. the way matthews and marner performed could do quite a bit with the coaching. he's obviously good with the players and they respond well to him, but as you say maybe a very experienced assistant that can guide keefe through playoff structured hockey or something

[@encrypt2344]

I do blame Dubas and the Players, he signed those high price salaries and had no balance left, he had to rely on patch jobs after that. it's like putting your entire budget on a house and having no money left to pay for food or heat. The players he trusted to keep his job secure failed him, last time I checked when I failed my job I didn't ask for a raise either. He is a smart man, I hope he goes to a place like Kansas City able to build a better group. Leafs need to make a choice with those four players, a contract has to go out that should have went out long ago and I think best value to cap space means Marner is the right choice.

[@nicholasredmond8598]

Can't wait to hear ur thoughts on game 1 of the canes v panthers amazing game

[@GrooveHillStudio]

I 100% agree that the team let him down. I would not want to be a player on the Leafs... Until the cycle is broken and they finally get a deep playoff run.. No matter WHO wears the jersey will have that stigma in the back of their heads. Hey, thanks for the hockey content! I like it as much as I like the Nertastic stuff you do! Cheers!

[@GrooveHillStudio]

Oh... For the record I'm a Habs fan... Watching them fail is the only thing that keeps me going! :P

[@ct-117]

The main problem is that Matthews doesn't give a flying frick abouy winning. He's just here to collect his overinflated paycheck and phone it in when it matters

[@Ryan-yi5ro]

Rogaine is expensive.

[@remytt4]

Dubas did the best to make sure that Toronto wins the Cup. He sacrificed the future for a shot but the team on the bench BAILED ON HIM!!

[@carletonrutherford1799]

Going through this comment section is hilarious. Dubas handcuffed himself by signing those players to huge contracts, and not moving 1 or 2 of them for help elsewhere in the lineup. He just tinkered around the edges. He never had the balls to make the big move. So many of you Dubas fans cannot seem to grasp he did this to himself.

[@pomerlain8924]

If he had truly sacrificed, he would have dealt one of the core 4. You say the players failed him, but they were failing him last year, and the year before, and year before that. But yet, guess who didn't trade any of them to change the culture? Dubas.

[@boshman78]

​@@carletonrutherford1799 I actually think you're both right.

[@Luda1010]

You're right Eck. Great post. 👍

[@sidv994]

Totally agree with you 100%. Results matter. I hope 1 or 2 of the core are next

[@wm9312]

One problem with "the four" is that unlike say Chicago's "four" none are perennial all star defencemen.

[@NickRants]

Reily played like an all star this playoffs

[@ok-bd9pd]

He got us out of the first round for the first time in 19 years, getting rid of him was a HUGE mistake. The big 4 floundered themselves, the plays and systems run we’re giving them great scoring chances. It was on the big 4 to put those in the net. Dubas screaming at fans during playoffs shows he has heart, this is just sad and the end of an era.

[@carletonrutherford1799]

ROFLMAO! He got the Leafs all the way out of the first round!?!? Well, throw a parade. Clearly you are ecstatic with winning a game in the 2nd round? You really have lowered expectations, don't you? The reason the Leafs just don't have what it takes, is because Dubas never had the balls to move one of the soft 4.

[@bramstedt8997]

Who signed those 4? Who has refused to move them after several years of lackluster playoff performances?

[@powwowken2760]

Personally... I get the feeling that Dubas didn't really want to come back but was afraid of the backlash from fans if he left on his own accord. I have zero evidence for this but it makes his press conference answers and other actions make a lot of sense.

[@steve8803]

@PowWow Ken of course Dubas is afraid of the fans. He and his family received multiple death threats from them.

[@Aj-sn1dp]

he accepted the deal that was presented the day before the initial conference. and again said he wanted to stay GM when he presented a counter deal. he wanted more money for the amount of issues the position caused. i don’t think it was ab whether or not he wanted to stay but whether or not he could make staying worth it

[@anthonyferrari711]

Right, like when you do something drastic to force the other person break up with you. So that you don’t have to feel like the bad person. It’s a classic tactic.

[@dereksbooks]

Of course you have zero evidence for an insane conspiracy theory that makes no sense.

[@eirikrdberg1161]

I’m so glad Sandin went to the caps. As caps fan defence is vital. With Carlson and Sandin next season healthy things look better for caps. The entire team should finally be healthy and younger than in a long time, getting them to the playoffs where Ovechkin even at 38 should have one more great run left in his tank. Another player who is determined to deliver his by far best season ever is the guy they got for Vrana. Mantha should be a point per game player and a vital asset when the playoffs role around. It is a make or break season for Mantha and he knows it. I expect him to come to training camp in the best shape of his life. With a new coach it is on him. Kuzy and Wilson may have career seasons while Kuemper can stick it to everyone and again lead his team to the cup. I& Backstrom can be healthy. Say 80% through playoffs perhaps the capitals can steal a completely unexpected 2024 Stanley cup.

[@JohnZorychta]

As a Leafs fan I agree Dubas should have been let go, but now was not the right time, Shanahan really screwed that one up. With such important contracts coming up this off season (Matthews, Nylander, Samsonov) it would have been nice to have an established GM in place who has had time to properly evaluate the team then make changes going forward. This should have been done last season instead of going into the season with a lame duck GM. Waste of a season and it could cost the team heavily in the long run

[@im.waldo.]

I feel like this was coming, and it was obvious. You could tell how he acted during games that his job was on the line

[@ClaremontClassicGarage]

who remembers the old TSN radio ad from the 80s. "Because owners don't fire players"

[@Skynertia]

Speak Leafs GM Peter Chiarelli into existence.

[@ostry66]

I'd love my Penguins to sign Dubas. He wasn't the problem in Toronto, their highest paid players just don't show up in the playoffs where you have to outwork and outskate the other guy. No matter how good of a job you do building a roster you can't win buliding around core players that just seem too soft for postseason. Unless they find a coach who will somehow teach the star players what playoff hockey is all about, the Leafs are fucked, they are stuck with this group for at least a couple more early playoff exits until they inevitably blow it up

[@carletonrutherford1799]

LOL!! If the Pens signed Dubas, expect a $15.86 million per year contract for Crosby, and a $14.71 million per year contract for Malkin. Expect goaltending to be an issue for a long time. And don't expect any playoff success for years.

[@Stanley_Furley]

Make room for his ego, too.

[@aleszabloudil3502]

Boomers, what have you done with your life. I am with @ostry66

[@cheeto1171]

The leafs are cursed look how many past leafs are playing on each playoff team. But yeah some bad moves they could have had Oettinger instead of Liljegren.

[@xmohawkx985]

@@carletonrutherford1799 you know Geno got reupped last year same with tanger and Sid still has 3 years left.

[@roadhockey]

Dubas asked for more money . That did him in.

[@Grayto]

I think this had to play a factor. Even if MLSE can easily afford it, and think management would have preferred Dubas believing he was lucky to keep his job.

[@timothyehrler4325]

The biggest problem with hockey executives that are higher up than GM is they often are incompetent but hold others accountable when things don't go right. 🤦‍♂️ Glen Sather comes to mind as well as this

[@hillfortherstudios2757]

My mom used to say "you can be upset, but you can't be surprised". That's the Leafs in a nutshell.

[@SomeTechGuy666]

The Leafs are not imploding. The Flames are imploding. Or have imploded. TO lost a GM, that is all. To truly implode you need to lose a few key players, the GM and the head coach and miss the playoffs. That is an implosion. At this point TO is but a flesh wound, not an implosion.

[@modsquad20]

You're witnessing the front 10%. Give it time to complete the process.

[@Dratchev241]

something tells me Sheldon Keefe is next to go.

[@henryludvor6275]

I hope they implode. Then stay there for a very long time

[@Gergentine]

The only problem left with the leafs is that they don't use physicality. And i dont buy in that the players dont want to do it. Last year Matty started being more physical but all of a sudden stopped. I don't think he just chose to stop. The leafs are the NHLs team to "explore new game changes". This clearly failed. You can't win in the playoffs without defending yourself under the current dops and reffing. Its just not possible. Cut the PR stunt and let them play the game right.

[@darrinstefaniak]

lol If I'm a leafs fan, I'm pissed. He put together one of the best rosters in the league, It isn't his fault the players don't show up in the playoffs. At some point it has to fall on the players themselves

[@Josh-yc1tc]

I’m not a leads fan, however I was cheering for them this playoff run and something I noticed is that in all but 1 game they felt like the underdogs.

[@pi1794]

Yes dead on bro as a Leafs fan. Dubas had NO leverage to behave this way and Brendan gave him his only shot and did this stunt.

[@toddlauretteHabsFan]

I HATE the Leafs, but I dont think Dubas should've gotten fired, his job is to put together a team that can win the cup, and he's put together an amazing team, (as much as it pains to to say that!), lol. I wish Habs management could put together a team like that. "wait a few years bud", lol, Im 50, Ive been waiting for over 40 years, the Habs haven't had a team near this caliber since LaFleur played. But in saying all this, i hope the leafs can learn what a truly shit GM is. This is the start of the downfall of the team that could have been... Id love to have Dubas as GM of the Canadiens, if they didnt have the current management that they already have in place. Im hoping these guys can do some good stuff, it all starts with this years draft. That #5 pick is soooo important.

[@steve8803]

@Todd Laurette Dubas put together a soft team that even the severe underdog Habs beat! You do NOT want that.

[@toddlauretteHabsFan]

@@steve8803 LOL, I HATE defending the leafs, I hate talking to morons too tho. Dubas did his job, he put together a team that SHOULD be winning cups, none of their "stars" showed up, that's not on Dubas, maybe on Sheldon Keefe. Anyway, good talk bud. U sound like u got it all figured out, congrats. 🥱

[@Septicor]

As a Leafs fan, I have one thing to say about this topic. GOOD! Keep going. And start with that giant meat loaf known as Sheldon Keefe.

[@justanotheroilersfan]

Only early birds know the original video title I've NEVER seen an NHL press conference like this...

[@rivahkillah]

Signing Tavares was a mistake, not just because of the cap hit, but because of how it influenced other players to sign. Firing Babcock deflected the blame from the players to the coach, and not giving Babcock the players that he needed. And then the constant trading away strong prospects without being ready to go all in until this season should've ended his tenure in Toronto years ago. It's just strange that he was let go at this point

[@jamesgoertler133]

Did he say generational scorer for Mathews? Funny, I didn't see him score once in the last series. Must mean last generation.

[@DannyMorrs]

I think there needs to be change, but I'm still not sure whether it should be Dubas. I think Keefe needs to go, i think Tavares needs to go, but Dubas was strongly behind both of them. I just hope there's some good change from this

[@Kwert]

I mean… The Leafs did better under Dubas than under any GM since Pat Quinn. I’m sure if he didn’t lock up Matthews, Marner and Nylander people would have been calling for his head for letting them go. On paper the moves he made were mostly good. Some of them didn’t pan out in spectacular fashion (Foligno for example) but I don’t think anyone could look at the moves he made at the time they were made and say they were terrible.

[@GiantArtProductions]

You watch the games from back in the day, you look at the Leafs run in 2002 up to the conference finals with Carolina. The whole team was attenuated of the top players but still fought on with the 3rd and 4th lines. Every line had depth and grit, even when they were reduced to going into the farm team and their only major goal scorers left was Gary Roberts and Travis Green after Tucker got injured. That’s ultimately the current problem with the Maple Leafs, no cohesiveness, no grit, top players too afraid to break through the defensive line, no larger defensemen or enforcers willing to protect smaller guys like Marner. This NEVER used to be this way. The Leafs always had top enforcers and guys with toughness. Ultimately Keefe should be the next to go, because a team working as a cohesive unit comes down to the coach. He hasn’t really produced that much in his tenure besides making it past the first round.

[@pavlovshouse77]

I wonder what the advanced analytics have to say about soft forwards, no defence and suspect goaltending advancing in the playoffs. Must be a complicated formula.

[@juanito1975]

I am ok with this! This is actually great news!

[@djsmith2871]

I got the email and slept on it. Got up and my eggs were off, so I decided to not extend an offer. I drove to his office taking the 401 and getting off at the DVP. Traffic was good, but I hit a light in the core and it made me wonder if it was a sign that I was being too hasty. Then the light turned green and I lost all doubts. Called a presser before I even got out of the car. Went into the building. Dubas' office is on the 12th floor. I walked down the hall. It was the last door to the left. He had a blue shirt on. So did I. We talked about our shirts for an hour before I told him the news. He took it well.

[@plushie946]

Change for change's sake is never a good idea, but frankly at this point the Leafs can't be afraid to make big changes. Incremental changes haven't rid them of whatever mental torment looms over them. Nothing against Dubas in particular though I'm maybe less supportive than most Leafs fans, but frankly I think this is fine. And I think trading Matthews would also be fine. Results matter and the results aren't there. Nylander is one of the few lines in the sand for me because frankly he showed up when his team didn't.

[@jbtwofour]

First, Dubas wasn’t fired. His contract won’t be renewed. There’s a difference. Second, this isn’t an implosion. Dubas didn’t appear to be fully invested, then demanded more. Any manager would question resigning someone at that point.

[@gamedayhockey]

So far, this is my favorite episode of SUCCESSION this year. 🤣🤣🤣

[@3ppcli]

If Dubis is gone,Keefe won't be far behind. An experienced coach and some grit is required.

[@bloodwillrunthestreets5205]

The problem is that the core four love to win but they don't hate to lose. Dubas gave them half the cap so both are to blame.

[@junk3996]

my dad says that matthews stated he won't resign with toronto if Dubas isn't there, that he trusts him. he couldn't tell me when he said that, and given the headlines of things right now its basically impossible to search for and find definitely interesting stuff

[@chrismurray203]

He can thank his buddies, Matthews, Marner, Nylander and Tavares. He put all his money and trust in these guys for 5 years and they let him down.

[@tonyo8171]

This is a solid overview of the facts at hand…especially blowing years off the prime talent they have

[@Dmcjixjdndncnc]

To say that we (Leaf’s) wasted their ‘prime’ is a little far fetched. They played great in the reg season and we made a great regular season team. However, they are absolute pylons in the games that matter. They’ve wasted their own careers through a lack of heart.

[@Will-fk2dk]

Very easy to notice after giving the comment section a quick glance... Most Toronto fans neither blame Dubas for what has happened with the Leafs, nor do they want him gone. Most would have preferred that he stay. He wasn't the problem. I really wish they (Leafs Organization) would have allowed the Team to run it back one more time. Give it through the 2024 Season. I know what the eventual outcome will probably be, but I just want to see it one more time!

[@stashoneill]

So many of you here are going on about either Dubas wasting money on the core or that he put a great team together but, the core never showed up in the playoffs. How is noone talking about Keefe and the coaching staff being horrendous. With only one style of play, abysmal defense, awful power play, the Leafs were so predictable that every team had our number. All the opposing team had to do was play a close checking game with aggressive forechecking and the Leafs would just cough up the puck. They never had a second alone with the puck before they were getting checked. They would so often play dump and chase and rarely win puck battles because of being out numbered. They would always run the offensive zone with guys at the points waiting for a pass for the give-and-go only to have an opposing player be right there covering the point too. When the opposing team was moving the puck up ice, the Leafs would back off, giving them all the time in the world to make stress free, no panick decisions on where to move the puck. Once in the Leafs zone, the Leafs were so passive, you’d think they were killing a penalty. The team had zero pressure put on them and would freely move the puck around. Same with the penalty kill. Zero aggression, zero pressure. It’s no wonder the Leafs were so easily hemmed in their own zone or heavily out shot every game. They were just way to predictable. There was no adjusting. There was no alternate plays. There was just one style of play and that was it. With no solution to solving the other team’s this or that, the Leafs players would get so frustrated, they’d start making more and more mistakes eventually letting games get out of hand or so far out of reach, a comeback was out of the question. Aren’t coaches supposed to be the ones setting plays, strategies, making adjustments, making sure the players play the full 60, beat the teams you’re supposed to beat? Dubas goes out and gets all these proven, previously successful players at the deadline and when they join the team they immediately begin to have the same struggles the current squad has had the entire season. They come to the team and join a program that is already set by the coach. They’re told where they’ll fit and what to do. For those that think the coaches are just there to set lines and yell at the refs, you’re sorely mistaken. They have way more influence on a team’s success(or demise) than most realize. Keefe and most, if not all, the coaching staff have to go. Mark my words. Just like Alex Anthopoulos, Dubas is going to sign with another team and win a Stanley Cup way before the Leafs do.

[@NifeOO4niff]

At the end of the day also though the GM's job is to put together the best team they can on the ice. He did that. It's up to those players to perform to the best of their abilities. These failures fall on them. Matthew's and Marner just don't look hungry. From where I'm standing it appears they want the pay more than the Cup. Hopefully the Pens get in touch with him though!

[@jeremyrafuse5330]

As a Leafs fan, I'm happy to see him go. Honestly, it should have happened last year. The contracts for the Core Four are hindering the team's ability to put a team around them. That is 110% the fault of the GM. People are saying that they didn't show up in the playoffs like it's something new 😂 it's not, and Dubas STILL gave them all massive contracts.

[@tonyo8171]

Regardless..his playoff record tells us he did not merit a contract

[@GargamelSS]

tough call but i agree with Shanahan , he knows hockey, players and the nuances very well

[@markabendroth1774]

Dubas did his job and did it pretty well imo, this is on the players who repeatedly didnt show up .

[@AnSturbin]

People act like the GM is out there giving advice to the players. The man built a hell of a team, and went through some brutal contract negotiations. I always saw him as something of a wizard. C'est la vie

[@curtanderson7978]

Hyman disappeared for Edmonton in the playoffs as well. He had an injury but lots of players play banged up when its do or die.

[@LacasseEric]

Eck : "Every GM in the NHL not in Toronto right now is very thankful that they play in their city" Montreal Canadiens : "Hold my beer!"

[@michaelscheuer9634]

Call Don Cherry. He's to old to coach (a shame), but I am sure he'd say that the major problem for the Leafs is their defense men -- save Reilly -- cannot get the puck out of their own end quickly enough. Back and forth passing behind the net, taking it out of the zone and then back-passing to another player who is still in the Leafs zone, far too much goalie cocking around with the puck -- don't they teach defenders better than all of this in kids, junior, and minor league hockey? The basic lesson is "get the puck and get it out of the zone -- fast." Also ask Cherry to find the Leafs a coach who can teach their goaltenders to stand fucking up to play their position instead of flopping around on the ice like stranded tuna or an overstuffed European goalie. It's getting so that any shooter who can hit the high corners is gong to score. You stand up, consistently cut down the shooter's angle, get a redesigned glove that allows you to catch a puck and not rely on sticking it out and playing "look what I found" and add defensemen who don't specialize in standing in front of the net as screens instead of making enemy forwards regret ever getting in front in the first place. It's a pretty quick fix and starts with the bantams and teaching the same skills for there to the NHL and never stop teaching it their. Not a bad idea to put the red line back in place, this in itself teaches skill in passing and the need to move the puck quickly. For God's sake, Horton, Pronovost, Stanley, and Baun knew these skills and used them 56 years ago.

[@lesevesel2898]

Phone call to Jim Rutherford should be in the making. [snickers]

[@OriginalAcidshadow]

I love how people think Tavares has any type of skill outside of falling on his ass.... watch his entire career. He is at best a perfect bottom 6 center

[@SJReid82]

I pretty much agree with the sentiment stated here. Making the playoffs should never have been 'the goal'. The goal is to win a fuckin' cup, not to make an appearance in the playoffs and then to effectively 'reset' the goalposts then. It needed to be objective number 1 from the get go. Pretty sure the Bruins, Capitals, Lightning never consider the playoffs a goal, so much as merely a stepping stone in their quest for the Cup. I don't care how long the leafs had been out of playoff contention, they set their sights way too low, and I think the team culture became so single mindedly focused on just making the playoffs, that once they did, its like 'hey, mission accomplished everyone.'. It just never felt like they were pushing. Entire playoffs I kept saying 'Where's the push!?" The only time you ever really saw it was in that one game where the team made that comeback. I dunno, I've been watching the buds for 30 years, and at no point this season did I consider them Cup contenders. I thought they were more deserving in previous seasons.

[@dmonsef]

When it comes to the players, you can't fire them. GM's/Coach's job security are based on team results. Overall, Dubas did not do enough to keep his job. As a Caps fan, I know this GM situation all too well. George McPhee was the Caps GM for 17 years! Far too many years as the Caps made it to Stanley Cup Final in McPhee's first year, but never made it past the 2nd round after that! It didn't matter the coach either. The Caps hired BMac as GM(he won a Cup in '89 as a player for the Calgary Flames)(previously the Assistant GM) and Trotz as coach. In their 4th year together they won the Cup! I'm not saying the Leafs can duplicate that, but a new GM and Coach with playoff backgrounds is needed.

[@MrMurMC]

Not sure why I see so many Leafs and Oilers fan bashing each other when in reality we have so much in common. It would be nice to chat friendly amongst the 2 fan bases as we really do have a lot in common especially after both our second round exits which stung lol. Both teams were expected to go further and even with both teams having major firepower up front, sadly they still suffered from crummy defense and goalie issues. We also both encountered solid second round teams who had a bit of puck luck and on hot streaks as they both continue to win against solid teams in the 3rd round too(both are up 1-0 in their current series) . So, Oilers and Leafs fans have a lot more in common than differences lol. And yes I agree Hyman is an amazing player and off the ice he's supposedly quite a nice guy too. I'm really glad we were able to get him. Campbell did have a rough year but hopefully he can bounce back and either help Skinner or become the number 1 guy again. And I hope the Leafs have better luck next year too. With healthy, solid goalies and possibly better defense I think the Leafs and Oilers can both have better playoff runs next season! Oilers have no cap space to do anything about defense issues but if Nurse can become a bit more of an offensive Dman and Bouchard can improve the turnover issues we have a good chance next year. Playoffs time Kane, Nuge and Hyman were abit cold but hopefully next year they can improve come playoffs time as well. Good luck to both teams!! I hope Leafs and Oilers fans have better teams to cheer for next season!!

[@fatmanchew909]

Dubas went out and got the condiments and bread but if the meat isn't fresh you still have a sh*t sandwich. The heart and soul of the team let the team down.

[@SimRacingVeteran]

I think the leafs also need a new goal celebration song. Even if you go back to Sandstorm by Darude would be better than what they play now.

[@douglarochelle2620]

This is managements collective failure. Shanahan turned to Dubas after Lou left, instead of handing the GM role to Hunter. Dubas built this team into the soft, no push back, country club environment it is. He's built decent teams, especially with their cap dilemma, but they are frustratingly inconsistent even in the regular season, which is partly on him, and partly on Keefe. Keefe was not adaptable, and frequently was out coached, and seemed unable to get the team to "start on time" or finish strong (I swear they've lead the league over the last couple seasons for getting scored on in the first and last minutes of periods) and Tavares is not a strong enough leader to make Keefe pivot, or to get the players to pivot to a tougher brand of hockey, as that's not his thing either. There is a reason Landeskog is the captain in Colorado, why first Chara, then Bergeron were captains in Boston. They lead, they have passion, they push. Tavares doesn't do that, he seems to have almost no passion at all. If Matthews contract is potentially going to be a $13-15m per year deal... can you tell me the team cant replace his 40-50 goals, with multiple players for the same amount? I think they should trade him. Three 20 goal scorers, with some nastiness to their games, for $4-6m seems to better in my opinion than one guy with a history of being unable to rise to the occasion in the playoffs. Keep Marner, Keep Nylander (if he'll sign for $8-9.5m), and re-tool the rest of the roster by ditching all but a select few of the UFA's. The goaltending seems to be somewhat straightened out with both Samsonov, and Woll showing they seem capable of handling even high pressure games. Reilly was the only player who seemed to kick it up a notch in the playoffs after having a sub-par regular season (which I could care less about when he plays like that in the playoffs).

[@mikeansley5306]

Nice take: get rid of Matthews who scores the most even strength points in the NHL per 60 and keep Marner who turns the puck over as much as humanly possible and can't win a single puck battle. Marner is soft and trash and makes fancy passes that go to the other team half the time.

[@douglarochelle2620]

@@mikeansley5306 except Matthews is soft too, maybe even softer considering he's bigger than Marner. Also doesn't kill penalties... I think a Marner contract extension can stay around the range it's at now, since there are comparables making similar money, but for Matthews they're already talking like he's going to want a big raise which is likely going to look like $15m+/season. As I said I think I'd rather have three $5m/yr guys who can recreate Matthews production in the aggregate, than to tie up nearly 20% of the cap on one guy. I could be wrong, I think we keep one or the other, but one has to go, and I honestly think Marner being from Toronto has a bit more interest in staying than Matthews does. This will all be determined by Matthews contract talks, this summer.

[@__murph]

The amount of times "um" was uttered in this conference. A very unprofessional delivery, and I side with Shanahan on the entire ordeal. Say what you want about Keith Jones in PHL, he knows how to communicate.

[@jameslikesturtles8254]

To me the team hasn’t wasted Marner and Matthews. I feel like it’s the opposite, Matthews and Marner and to be honest the whole core, have wasted the opportunity to win for this organization and this fanbase.

[@paulnugent5139]

man everyone forgets how long it took Stamkos/Kuch, Ovy/Backstrom to win cups. people need to be more patient!

[@blackrocks8413]

Huh...Dubas seemed weird, kinda unbalanced and at times would have spittle flying out of his mouth. That was such a perfect match for Toronto

[@niklasolsson6147]

It cant be easy to play hockey in Toronto with all expectation and hockey crazy people. I know they get payed for handeling the pressure but it must be hard. Anyway i hope you can get a lord stanley to Toronto as soon as posible. As a swede I grew up watching Mats Sundin in Toronto.

[@absolutelybased3251]

Maybe Dubas didnt put together a cup winning team but the Leafs players, particularly their stars, have severely underperformed in the playoffs

[@Kevfate]

I have a problem with how people view the regular season. Sure the Stanley cup is the goal and I agree , but having a top team during the regular season is also important. It is still 82 hockey games...

[@HenryHoolington]

I’ve just recently got let go by my company. It’s really difficult as I did the best job I possibly can, I can say I didn’t do a bad job at all. I just wasn’t a “culture fit” and the reason for getting let go was wishy washy but at the end of the day I wasn’t like Connor Mcdavid within my first year. Similar to Kyle Dubas I’m extremely young in the in the industry. There are so many more years to come I just need to carry on to the next company

[@chad_b]

I wasn't the biggest fan of dubas at first but I liked him after a while. I'm disappointed to see him go. He did everything a gm could. It's the divas that don't perform

[@SMA2343]

It’s a little of both right? It’s was Dubas who got the players there. It was Dubas who hired Keefe, and then it was the players who didn’t play and the coach that didn’t coach.

[@Cedisdead]

Leafs were the only team that traded away roster players like Sandin and Engwall at trade deadline, this is proven to be a bad idea. Dubas have done some good things but honestly, with the talent on the team he should have done better in alot of areas.

[@AaronStephenTaylor]

We didn't need more skill, we needed playoff warriors, like Accari, O'Reilly and Schenn. Sure, it wasn't enough, but I think he made some good moves at the deadline. Think you can do better? I hear there is a position available...

[@Cedisdead]

@@AaronStephenTaylor Am I allowed to have an opinion without thinking I could do a better job? There is a reason he got fired, and it was really wierd how he traded roster players. Just take it and go on

[@juliojames5986]

Why, are there no or limited voices banging on the coaching staff…..it baffles me ! 🙈