2023-05-23 16:47:40
Kyle Dubas has released his first public statement since it was announced last week that he will not be returning as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs next season.
“While I understand that there is interest as to the circumstances of my departure, I will not go into the details of what I consider to be rational and consequential, but private discussions,” Dubas said in a statement. statement on Tuesday. “On the days I felt I needed to assess my own perspective of the future – both in terms of where this team should go and also to make sure I had the support of my family in mind. of the off-season and years to come – the organization has chosen to go in a different direction, and that is its right. »
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On May 18, Maple Leafs president and alternate governor Brendan Shanahan said the team had “decided to part ways with Dubas,” whose five-year contract will expire on June 30, despite an attempt to a new agreement last week.
During the team report, three days after the Florida Panthers eliminated Toronto in five games in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Dubas said he needed to speak with his family before to decide if he wanted to be back as CEO.
Shanahan said he approached Dubas after the March 3 trade deadline to tell him he wanted him to remain its GM going forward. Dubas told Shanahan to negotiate with his agent, since he didn’t want to be distracted during the end of the regular season.
Shanahan and Dubas’ agent began working on a contract, and the day before the season-ending meeting, Shanahan submitted his offer to Dubas.
However, during his meeting with the media the next day, Dubas said he was unsure if he wanted to continue as GM, and it was then that Shanahan began to explore other options. Shortly after, Dubas was informed that he would not be back.
Dubas was promoted to GM on May 11, 2018, replacing Lou Lamoriello after joining the Maple Leafs on July 22, 2014 as an assistant GM. He maintained a record of 221-109-42 as GM of Toronto, a role he held from the age of 32.
“In the nine seasons since I was given the chance to work in the National Hockey League with the Toronto Maple Leafs, we have learned a lot and grown through the ups and downs,” Dubas added on behalf of from his family. “We have seen our family grow twice as large, while developing relationships that will last a lifetime. It was an honor to be able to work in such an inspiring place, with dedicated and loyal people, and extremely passionate supporters. The impact of all of this and the relationship with everyone at MLSE (Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment), from the Board of Directors to Scotiabank Arena ushers, will always be held in our hearts. »
The Maple Leafs had the fifth-best point percentage in the NHL under Dubas (651) and made the playoffs in each of his five seasons as GM, but only made it past the first round this season.
Dubas has been linked to other vacancies across the NHL, but he assured that he would not accept a job with another team, adding that he would stay with the Maple Leafs or take a break.
“To the players, coaches and staff, current and former, thank you for your passion and commitment at every step of our journey together,” he said. It was a pleasure to work with you every day. We will keep moving forward from now on. »
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