Ex-Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas ready to ‘move on’

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Kyle Dubas says he “will continue from here” in his first public comments since being fired from the Maple Leafs, but where will he end up?

In a tweet Tuesday morning, which was more about thanking everyone in his past than offering a big glimpse into his future at another team, the former general manager said he “won’t elaborate.” enter into what I consider reasonable and enduring. but private discussions”.

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This comes in response to club president Brendan Shanahan’s unprecedented public account of the circumstances surrounding Dubas’ departure last week. Shanahan said Dubas’ revelation to the media eight days ago that he was hesitating with a return due to the strain last season has taken on him and his family has cast him into doubts about extending his expiring contract, what Shanahan claimed was a late change in terms by Dubas’ agents that further soured relations between the once-close duo.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have permission to speak to Shanahan about either opening their hockey president or as GM, but Dubas didn’t comment on Tuesday. Shanahan’s comments were followed by much speculation about his role in an alleged power struggle with Shanahan and the board over hockey-related decisions.

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“While I realize there is an interest in the circumstances of my departure, I will not go into the details,” read part of Dubas’ statement. “During the days I felt I needed to assess and evaluate my own view of the future, both in terms of the club’s necessary direction and in making sure I had my family’s full support for what what I felt would be required in the future Off-season and in the years that followed, the organization decided, as is within their rights, to take a different direction.”

Dubas, while asking for time to speak with his family, had said he would either return to the Leafs or take time off. The layoff shifted that narrative, leaving people wondering just how burned out the GM really was, while Shanahan went in search of a new GM with several key contract issues.

Keefe finished his message, signed “The Dubas Family,” thanking “an extremely passionate fanbase” and the Leafs for nine years of service, from the MLSE board to the Scotiabank Arena ushers, as well as players, coaches and other staff .

“It was a great pleasure working with you. We will roll from here.”