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Why the Maple Leafs Didn’t Add At The Trade Deadline

According to an article on TSN, when Kyle Dubas has the ability to add more at the NHL Trade Deadline this season, he chose not to. Why?

According to an article on TSN, when Kyle Dubas has the ability to add more at the NHL Trade Deadline this season, he chose not to. Noting that Dubas told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun the reason he didn’t do anything was because all of the options were short-term, there wasn’t a good solution for the team.

Apparently, instead of adding to his blue line using short-term stop-gaps, Dubas has elected to wait until long-term blueliners become available and his plan now is to help his team’s future versus helping for a couple of months (assuming everything lasts that long for Toronto).

Specifically, Dubas said he received calls about defenseman Tyson Barrie, but didn’t get what he needed back as part of the return. He could have made a deal for picks or spare parts but the return was speculated to be another defenseman or at least a group of picks and prospects Dubas could immediately flip for another defenseman. Further speculation was that he had his eyes on a player like Matt Dumba.

As a result, he didn’t move Barrie and most believe he won’t re-sign him. At best, Dubas can trade Barrie’s rights for a late-round pick before July 1.

So Now What Does Dubas Do?

Essentially, Dubas wasn’t interested in rentals. It’s because he believes the Maple Leafs’ problems are not short-term ones. That means he’s got some work to do over the summer.

Of course, many will argue Dubas created his own problems in this area by signing so many expensive contracts at forward and that he’ll try to fix those problems by spending more over the summer as the salary cap increases. That may be true and if the Maple Leafs don’t make the playoffs, he’ll have a lot of explaining to do before he ever gets a chance to fix the issues.

The assumption is he’ll get the chance but one never knows.

Related: Edmonton Oilers Re-Sign Forward Josh Archibald

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