Kyle Dubas issues statement following his dismissal from the Toronto Maple Leafs
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Loading... - Jeffrey McKay
- 25 May 2023
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In the aftermath of his termination as the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Kyle Dubas, who was let go last week after the team's disappointing exit in the second round of the playoffs, took to Twitter on Tuesday to release a statement. However, he refrained from delving into the specific details surrounding his dismissal.
Dubas initiated his response with an encouraging "onward" remark, as he reflected on a turbulent period that culminated in his abrupt departure. This period commenced with a peculiar end-of-season press conference where the 37-year-old executive openly questioned his desire to continue in his role.
Leafs president Brendan Shanahan provided an extensive account of the decision-making process that led to Dubas's firing during a press conference on Friday afternoon, shortly after the team announced their decision to part ways with the general manager.
Shanahan mentioned that he had advised Dubas, whose contract was due to expire on June 30, not to engage with the media immediately after the Leafs' five-game defeat against the Florida Panthers, as there was a lack of clarity about the future.
During the aforementioned press conference on May 15, Dubas expressed the challenges the 2022-23 season had posed to his young family and expressed his need for time to evaluate his path moving forward.
Shanahan, initially inclined to retain Dubas, revealed during a subsequent media availability five days later that his perception had changed as the week progressed.
Shanahan explained that Dubas had sent him an email on Thursday night, indicating his desire to continue as the general manager. However, according to the president, this came after the team received increased contract demands.
At that point, Shanahan had already made up his mind that the Original Six franchise required a change.
"In the days where I felt it was necessary to assess and evaluate my own perspective on the future direction of the club, while also ensuring the full support of my family for the off-season and the years to come, the organization, within their rights, chose to pursue a different path," stated Dubas in his social media statement.
Initially hired as an assistant GM in 2014 at the age of 28, Dubas ascended to the top position in 2018 after Shanahan displaced his mentor, the Hall of Famer Lou Lamoriello. In his statement on Tuesday, Dubas acknowledged the ups and downs he experienced during his tenure in Toronto.
"It was a privilege to work in such an inspiring environment, alongside dedicated and loyal individuals, and with an incredibly passionate fan base," he wrote. "The profound impact and the relationships formed with everyone at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, from the board of directors to the ushers at Scotiabank Arena, will forever hold a special place in our hearts."
Under Dubas's leadership, the Maple Leafs achieved unprecedented success during the regular season. However, their playoff performances failed to match their regular-season dominance throughout his five-year tenure, until this spring when the team finally won a series for the first time in nearly two decades, only to be eliminated by the Florida Panthers.
Dubas expressed gratitude to the coaches, players, and staff on Twitter, although he did not extend the same appreciation to the Leafs or mention Shanahan by name.
"To my colleagues and players, thank you for your unwavering dedication and commitment throughout our journey together," Dubas expressed. "It was a tremendous honor to work by your side each and every day. Let us now carry on from here."
Dubas's departure leaves the Toronto Maple Leafs with numerous uncertainties as they head into a potentially defining summer.
