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.