The Leafs haven't had the greatest start to the season so far. Right now, they're 8-5-3, yet they are still in second place in the Atlantic Division. They are only two points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens, who are all tied at 17 points and nine behind the Boston Bruins who, currently, lead the Atlantic with 28 points.
As fans, we'll never know who falls under what category until a trade is made, but it's good to know Dubas uses a process like this and, more importantly, see what he does with such information. Judging by his comments, Dubas is looking to develop his trading block in hopes of making a move that will subtract what doesn't work in favour of bringing back someone with the right skill set to add to the team rather than taking away from it.