Penguins
Dubas Back in Picture; Friedman Says Penguins to Seek Interview
He was out, but the Toronto Maple Leafs threw Kyle Dubas back in. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ GM search might be the beneficiary of Toronto president Brendan Shanahan’s change of heart, and the Penguins are believed to be ready to ask Toronto for permission to speak to Dubas about their open front-office spots.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman dropped the little bombshell during the 32 Thoughts intermission segment Saturday night and had more on the Dubas-Toronto fracture.
You can watch the segment here.
Last week, Toronto’s front office became tumultuous as negotiations to keep Dubas became contentious. Multiple reports and Shanahan’s own words confirm that Dubas asked for a significant financial package and additional powers, or at least changes to the decision-making hierarchy, beyond his GM post.
Shanahan said he “just felt differently” about the situation after receiving a call from Dubas’ agent and an email from Dubas saying he wanted to stay.
Despite Dubas’s desire to stay, Shanahan terminated the GM. Because Dubas’ contract doesn’t expire until June 30, the Pittsburgh Penguins must seek permission to speak with him, which Friedman expects them to do.
“Pittsburgh is deep in their search. There was a chance we (knew) next week,” Friedman said on the broadcast. “But at the very least now, I think they’re going to reach out, ask and see — gauge what (Dubas’s) interest is. I don’t know what the answer is, but I think the Penguins will reach out to at least get permission to talk to him and see where he is.”
Before Shanahan terminated Dubas, the GM held postseason meetings Thursday with executives and coaches to begin planning the offseason. The move was largely seen as a sign that Dubas was staying, adding further surprise to Shanahan’s Friday morning decision and the afternoon press conference.
Eric Tulsky, Dan MacKinnon, Steve Greeley, and Jason Karmanos are thought to be finalists for the job, but the process could be delayed as the Penguins get permission and interview Dubas, who served as the Maple Leafs GM for five seasons following four as the assistant GM under Dave Nonis and Lou Lamoriello.
Dubas, 37, became the second-youngest GM in NHL history, behind John Chayka in Arizona. He was 32 at the time he was hired.
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Hop they can get it done by the end of this week.
What a mistake it would be to hire him. Maple Leafs never reached even close to their potential because of the way he constructed the team. They were playoff soft & never accomplished anything in his tenure except getting through a first round playoff game. He checked out then changed his mind when faced with reality. HOPE THEY PASS ON HIM!!
Be happy, brah. Whoever is next can’t possibly be worse than Ron Effin’ Hextall.
A low bar to hurdle provides cold comfort.
Don’t bet on it
Just say no to KD. Shanahan saw it for what it was…a soft GM sniveling about the toll his job has taken on his family. As Shanahan rightly stated, hockey is filled with pressure at all levels. The coaches, players, and GMs can all say the same. This is what you get when you commit to a career in pro hockey. But if you can’t take the heat, get out the kitchen. Shanahan throw this softie out of his kitchen. He should be barred from entering our kitchen.
Shanny has been on the job for 10 years now. What has he accomplished exactly? #Waiting #StillWaiting
To a great degree, Dubas left because of the toxic hockey environment in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). If he and his family were gonna take the abuse, then they were gonna be paid above and beyond. The management wonks wouldn’t meet his demands, and that was that. Convinced that Duby and Sullivan would work well together. They share the same vision, which is a good start. Also believe that Duby learned that it takes more than talent to excel in so-called playoff hockey, which is a different animal entirely. We’ll see if he can execute the plan wherever he… Read more »
Dubas didn’t leave. He was shitcanned. Shanahan made the right decision. “It’s the job we choose. It’s the sport we choose. We’re very fortunate to be in it, but it does not come without a toll on the families,” Shanahan said. Dubas has no self-awareness and piss-poor judgment. Sitting in front of a gaggle of reporters, with cameras rolling, he whimpered about the family toll and said he and his family would decide whether he would return to the Leafs. This was a gross miscalculation on his part. And that’s why he lost his job. Finally, what’s the vision that… Read more »
Shanahan was ready to bring him back until Dubas according to reports wanted more power and money so he wasn’t too dissatisfied with the Job Dubas was doing.
Based on the team’s recent track record, any Penguins supporter with a brain would take a 111-point regular season and one playoff series victory. Apparently, that leaves you out.
Shanahan got cold feet because he is next if things continue to go south.
“TO or nowhere” KD.
Making demands for more $ and power while in a tenuous circumstance, it’s as if he was asking to get jettisoned.
If Toronto fired him, why would the Penguins need permission to talk to him?
Under contract until June 30.