Fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs are concerned about the team’s future following the departure of Kyle Dubas. Elliotte Friedman, a popular sports commentator, has provided some insight into the matter and it doesn’t look good.
Friedman, on 32 Thoughts, reported that a current Maple Leafs player texted him to say that “nobody is really sure” about what’s going to happen with Matthews now that Dubas is gone lol
— toronto maple scumbags (@mostlyleafies) May 22, 2023
During a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman discussed the reaction to Kyle Dubas’ departure and Brendan Shanahan’s press conference. Friedman claims that there is uncertainty in the Maple Leafs’ locker room regarding Auston Matthews’ future now that Dubas is no longer with the team.
Dubas had negotiated Matthews’ current deal, which is set to expire next summer. Matthews was likely pleased that Dubas allowed him to have the option to become an unrestricted free agent. However, with Dubas gone, would Matthews consider leaving the team?
Furthermore, Friedman mentioned that there are not many candidates for the position of general manager who would fit the description provided by Shanahan. Some of the top names in the industry have shown no interest in joining the Maple Leafs.
He also says guys like George McPhee and Doug Armstrong aren’t coming to Toronto with its current structure (i.e. Shanahan above them)
— toronto maple scumbags (@mostlyleafies) May 22, 2023
Shanahan’s comments during the press conference appear to have turned off potential candidates for the GM role, making it challenging for the Maple Leafs to seek out a new leader for their team.