Maple Leafs made right hire in Kyle Dubas

The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Kyle Dubas as their new general manager, replacing a Hall of Famer in Lou Lamoriello. Was it the right move?

After watching Lou Lamoriello transition from the role of general manager, the Toronto Maple Leafs were on the hunt for his replacement over the past few weeks. The organization settled on a candidate from within, promoting Kyle Dubas to the job after serving as assistant general manager under Lamoriello.

Dubas, 31, was an obvious choice for the Maple Leafs, and also the correct one. Learning at the knee of a Hall of Famer over the past four years, the young executive appears real to try his hand with a nice head start. After years of horrid play,  Toronto has made the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the past two seasons, although both times it lost in the opening round.

At only 31 years old, Dubas is one of the youngest general managers in North American sports. However, he has earned his promotion and then some, shown by his fine work over the past few seasons with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League. Twice, the Marlies have been the AHL’s best regular-season club, all while supporting their parent club with key talents.

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The biggest immediate challenge for Dubas will be the retention of star winger James van Riemsdyk. The New Jersey native and 29-year-old had a career year in 2017-18, scoring 36 goals and 54 points, earning himself a nice new deal. After making $5 million this year, van Riemsdyk will likely be looking for a raise, and it’s unclear if Toronto will be the team giving it to him.

Outside of van Riemsdyk, the Maple Leafs have only one significant free agent in center Tyler Bozak. Tomas Plekanec is also hitting the market, but he was acquired as a rental from the Montreal Canadiens.