Penguins GM Hides True Thoughts on Toronto Firing

PITTSBURGH – After Kyle Dubas was unceremoniously fired as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Pittsburgh Penguins wasted no time in bringing him in as president of hockey operations. Ever since his firing, fans of the Maple Leafs have wondered what led to his downfall.

Just days before his firing, Dubas told Toronto media that it was the Maple Leafs or nothing for him. His contract was ending, and his future in Toronto wasn’t certain, but he initially aimed to either return to the Maple Leafs or take some time off from NHL front offices.

Before his contract could officially end, the Maple Leafs fired Dubas from his position. Dubas’ side of the story has never been told by the Penguins’ current president and general manager, and there is reason for that.

The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun spoke with Dubas at the GM meetings in Florida and asked him why he has never spoken in detail about his departure from the Maple Leafs. LeBrun writes that Dubas immediately shifted his focus and energy to the Penguins.

Dubas also mentioned that he hasn’t spoken about things because he doesn’t want to stir the pot with his former co-workers.

“I just simply don’t want to create any waves in my wake because they impact a lot of people who I care about and loved working with,” Dubas said. “Unloading my personal feelings is what a lot of people want — and it may make me feel good in the short run — but it’s not of any benefit to the Pittsburgh Penguins or the dozens of players and staff in Toronto who I want to see have success.”

Dubas is ensuring all of his focus is set on improving the Penguins, who are on the verge of missing the playoffs in his first season in charge. The Maple Leafs are hurdling towards a playoff spot and have seemingly moved on from their days of Dubas.

The Maple Leafs fan base may still take shots at their former GM, but he tells LeBrun he is fine with the criticisms.

Dubas also told LeBrun that maybe one day in the future, he’ll tell his side of the story, but for now, he’s keeping it to himself.