On this version of Toronto Maple Leafs’ Information & Rumors, I’ll share some ideas about what former common supervisor Kyle Dubas did properly in his time with the workforce. I’ll additionally take a look at a current Luke Schenn interview to attempt to assess whether or not he intends to re-sign with the Maple Leafs.
Newest Information & Highlights
Third, I’ll observe that Corey Perry is hitting free company and marvel in writing whether or not the workforce may signal him to a finances contract for subsequent season.
Merchandise One: Maple Leafs Shouldn’t Neglect What Kyle Dubas Did Properly
I’ve typically steered that the Maple Leafs are blessed with a number of good writers who cowl the workforce. One among my favourites is Jon Steitzer of LeafsNation. Yesterday, he wrote a pleasant publish suggesting that the group shouldn’t neglect a number of the issues Dubas did properly as GM.
Associated: What Occurred to Roman Cechmanek?
Dubas employed a lot of methods and approaches that proved profitable throughout his tenure with the workforce. These included:
Technique One: Discovering Precious Gamers Who Had been Free Brokers
Dubas typically focused undervalued gamers in free company, corresponding to Group Six and non-qualified restricted free brokers (RFAs). Utilizing this strategy, the workforce signed gamers like Michael Bunting, Ilya Samsonov, and David Kampf. To my thoughts, all three made optimistic contributions. He additionally prevented high-priced signings and, as a substitute, looked for hidden gems. Dubas did his greatest to maximise the workforce’s cap house.
Technique Two: Dubas Took Good Care of Free Brokers from Europe
Dubas not solely signed free brokers from Europe, however he took care of them once they got here to North America and ensured that they didn’t get buried within the Maple Leafs group. As an alternative, if a European participant had a greater likelihood with one other workforce, he would transfer them. Ilya Mikheyev was a superb participant for the Toronto Maple Leafs
(Photograph by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos)
Dubas was good to his phrase, and his fame gave him a have a leg up in signing free brokers globally; most brokers appreciated how Dubas took care of their shoppers.
Technique Three: Dubas Sought Out Reclamation Initiatives
Dubas took cheap and calculated dangers on gamers with potential, together with Conor Timmins (who’s at present with the workforce), Josh Ho-Sang, and Alex Galchenyuk. Not all of the gamers he signed labored out, however Dubas was prepared to put money into those that he believed had the potential to supply excessive rewards, at little or no value. The Maple Leafs’ participant growth system was targeted on discovering good gamers and unlocking that potential.
Technique 4: Dubas Utilized Proof-Primarily based Choice-Making
Dubas used and trusted information, analytics, and monitoring as a part of the group’s decision-making course of. It wasn’t precisely “cash ball,” however he seldom used his “intestine feeling” to decide on gamers. That, in itself, was a departure from earlier administration kinds. Making choices that have been based mostly on proof and evaluation helped the workforce be extra knowledgeable about participant acquisitions and workforce methods.
Associated: Vladislav Tretiak: Goaltending Guru
I do know that Dubas wasn’t everybody’s cup of tea; nonetheless, from my perspective, he did some issues very properly. His “huge workforce” strategy generated a ton of open dialogue, and he didn’t appear to worth “Sure Males.”
In brief, the optimistic insights on Dubas’ tenure needs to be a sign of how the subsequent Maple Leafs GM may do their job properly.
Merchandise Two: Luke Schenn Appreciates the Maple Leafs
Who is aware of the place Luke Schenn may find yourself subsequent season? I get the sensation he’d be wonderful returning to the Maple Leafs. He definitely expressed optimistic ideas concerning the workforce in a current interview. That mentioned, he additionally had optimistic ideas about enjoying with the Vancouver Canucks as properly.
Associated: Ex-Maple Leafs Frederik “Goat” Gauthier: The place Is He Now?
Schenn famous that he had loved his time in Vancouver and the optimistic remedy he obtained from the fanbase, media, and group. Rising up in Kelowna (simply over a four-hour drive away), he adopted the Canucks as a teen. He famous that, whereas he doesn’t know both workforce’s plan, he’s prepared to play for both one subsequent season. Proper now, he’s ready to see if the Maple Leafs provide him a contract.
Schenn praised the Canucks for taking good care of his household in the course of the commerce deadline. He additionally thanked Dubas for his assist and assist with the transition. When requested about Dubas’ departure, he famous that hockey is a enterprise and that it typically will get in the way in which of what gamers may need. He expressed his respect for Brendan Shanahan, the workforce president, and hoped that every little thing would work out for everybody concerned.
Schenn actually helped Morgan Rielly flourish offensively in the course of the postseason. That mentioned, plainly he may choose to return to the Canucks however would even be completely satisfied staying in Toronto.
What’s Subsequent for the Maple Leafs?
Corey Perry is hitting the free-agent market. Might he signal with Toronto? It was reported that Perry had wished to signal with the Maple Leafs earlier than the 2020-21 season however ended up enjoying with the Montreal Canadiens as a substitute.
Associated: Remembering Maple Leafs’ Goalie Jonathan Bernier
I’m certain that Perry signing with the Maple Leafs would make many Maple Leafs followers completely satisfied. He is perhaps previous his prime at 38 years outdated, however he performs like a demon in the course of the postseason. He may even be capable to train Bunting a factor or two about being a profitable pest – that’s if Bunting re-signs with the workforce.
Perry shouldn’t value lots to signal, however there is perhaps a whole lot of curiosity in him. The make-up of the workforce might be fascinating for subsequent season. I can’t even start to think about a number of the modifications.