It seems Kyle Dubas may nonetheless be a chance for the Penguins in spite of everything.
Final Monday, after one other Maple Leafs season led to disappointment, Dubas advised Toronto reporters that he would both return as Leafs basic supervisor or sit out the 2023-24 season, citing the emotional toll of the job.
Because the week progressed, it seemed as if Dubas could be sticking round. The Leafs have been ready to signal him for a contract extension. However in a surprising flip of occasions, Leafs president of hockey operations Brendan Shanahan introduced Friday that Toronto wouldn’t carry Dubas again as basic supervisor.
That led to questions on whether or not Dubas would change his thoughts and take into account becoming a member of one other franchise. Apparently, the Penguins are curious, too.
The Penguins have reportedly requested the Leafs for permission to interview Dubas, who stays beneath contract till June 30. In line with Sportsnet, the Leafs have granted them permission. We are going to see the place issues go from right here.
Earlier than all of the Dubas drama unfolded up north, Fenway Sports activities Group had been heading into the ultimate levels of its seek for a brand new head of hockey operations for the Penguins, whether or not the title could be president or simply as GM.
The crew is claimed to have granted second interviews to a number of candidates. They embody Carolina assistant basic supervisor Eric Tulsky, former Arizona GM John Chayka, Tampa Bay assistant GM Mathieu Darche, New Jersey assistant GM Dan MacKinnon and former Penguins govt Jason Karmanos.
However when Dubas shook free from Toronto, the Penguins have been clever to attempt to line up a last-minute interview with him as a result of Dubas checked a whole lot of containers.
Dubas, 37, is younger however skilled, having spent 9 seasons within the Leafs entrance workplace. Coming from the Leafs, he is aware of methods to work inside a mega company like Fenway Sports activities Group. Dubas is analytically inclined, one thing that strongly appeals to FSG. And he’s seen as a inventive downside solver.
Positive, his observe file in Toronto was not excellent. The Leafs gained just one playoff collection throughout his tenure, their first-round victory over the Lightning this spring. And he has been criticized for paying an excessive amount of for Toronto’s prime gamers.
However his expertise and ingenuity may be what the Penguins, who’ve an getting older core and a difficult wage cap scenario, must maneuver their approach again into Stanley Cup rivalry earlier than the tip of Sidney Crosby’s profession.
We are going to see what turns into of Pittsburgh’s curiosity in Dubas and the way that impacts the seek for a brand new lead voice in hockey operations. However both approach, the Penguins may be ready to announce a rent earlier than the tip of the week.
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