Kyle Dubas, former General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has finally broken his silence on his departure from the team. Dubas, who has been quiet since it was announced that his contract with the team would not be renewed, released an official statement that seemed to be aimed at putting a damper on all the rumours surrounding his exit.
The Statement
"While I understand there is interest surrounding the circumstances of my departure, I will not get into the specifics of what I consider to be reasonable and consistent but private discussions. In the days that I felt I needed to assess and evaluate my own view to the future, both with respect to the necessary direction of the Club and ensuring that I had the full support of my family for what I knew would be required in the offseason and years to follow, the organization, as is their right to do, decided to go in a different direction."
"In the nine seasons since being afforded the opportunity to work in the National Hockey League for the Toronto Maple Leafs, we have had the chance to learn a lot and have grown significantly through the ups and downs. We have watched our family double in size while developing meaningful relationships which will last a lifetime. It was an honour to be able to work in such an inspiring place, with dedicated, loyal people and an extremely passionate fan base. The impact of that and the relationships with all of the people at MLSE, from the board of directors through to the ushers at Scotiabank Arena, will forever hold a dear place in our hearts."
Dubas made sure to thank everyone he worked with over the years in Toronto, including those no longer with the organization.
"To the players, coaches and staff at the facility each day, past and present, thank you for your passion and commitment at every step of the journey together. It was a tremendous pleasure to work alongside you each day.
We will roll from here."
-The Dubas Family
There has been plenty of talk over the circumstances of Dubas' departure from the Leafs, including many analysts saying he wanted more power and to no longer have to answer to or run decisions by Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan. It is interesting that Dubas made it clear in his statement that Toronto decided to move on while he and his family were assessing his future.
DID THE LEAFS MAKE A MISTAKE LETTING DUBAS WALK? MAY 23 243 ANSWERS |
| YES, IT WILL COME BACK TO HAUNT THEM | 107 | 44 % |
| NO, IT WAS TIME TO MOVE ON | 100 | 41.2 % |
| I'M NOT SURE | 36 | 14.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
