Kyle Dubas spoke with Toronto Maple Leafs media on Tuesday and answered questions regarding his thought process going into this year’s NHL Trade Deadline. Most insiders believed the team was looking to make a move and Dubas confirmed those reports, then added even more fuel to the fire that something might be coming for the Leafs sooner than later.
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Dubas noted he’d like to make a move far in advance of the April 12th trade deadline. Citing the quarantine complications and potential delays that come with it, he’s looking for a dance partner but hinted that it’s not been the easiest process as it takes “two to tango.”
When asked what he’s looking at or which position is priority, Dubas noted that he’s not transfixed on any one position but also acknowledged he moved out some pretty good forwards this past offseason to improve the back end. As such, most of his discussions to date revolve around adding another forward. When asked if he was willing to trade a top prospect before this deadline: “Yes.”
Does He Want a Rental or a Player With Term?
Insiders have speculated that Dubas might be looking at a player like Mattias Ekholm or Rickard Rakell. Both of those players have some term left on their current contracts. Dubas quieted that speculation a touch when he said this was one of those rare years when the team might prefer to do a deal for a player that is an obvious rental.
He explained that in years past, he was actively looking for players with term (like Jake Muzzin or Jack Campbell) but the way the salary cap is structured now, anything they add that has a commitment beyond this season will affect their allotment for next season.
Dubas did say that if the right deal came along, term wouldn’t stop him from making a trade, noting the team would figure it out and do other things to fix their resulting cap issues going forward.
One things seems clear… It appears the Toronto Maple Leafs are all-in this season and are willing to move whatever it takes to take a run at the Stanley Cup.
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