Kyle Dubas reportedly missed out on acquiring a ''big name, high-end defenseman'' due to Leafs' approval process

At points leading up to Friday's announcement that the Leafs were parting ways with now former GM Kyle Dubas, it appeared as though the two sides were close to reaching an accord. However, an ill-advised media appearance by Dubas combined with his late contract demand changes now find him without a job and the Leafs looking for a new GM.

Reports had surfaced this past week that most of what Dubas was concerned about was the level of autonomy that he wanted heading into this season. Dubas felt as though there were times where, if he could have made quicker decisions without needing board approval or to go through several layers of approvals, he may have been able to make better deals to help the team win. In the end, Dubas' pursuit of more authority to make big decisions ultimately led to his dismissal.

A report was released on Friday that suggested that Dubas had a chance this past season to acquire a "big name, high-end" blueliner, which could have undoubtedly helped the Leafs immensely in the playoffs. However, it was also revealed that he missed out on this deal because the approvals he needed had taken up to 3 days to come down from above. Certainly a valid concern for Dubas.




If that's the length of time that the Leafs need to get deals done, it's no wonder why Dubas was looking to streamline the approval process. Imagine being in a position to give your team a great chance to win a Stanley Cup by adding a true impact player only to have the deal blow up in your face because the board members took 3 days to give their approval.. if true, Dubas has a legitimate gripe here.

There's no mention of who that high-end defenseman might have been, but when you consider that the Leafs ended up bringing in a trio of defensemen in before the deadline in Jake McCabe, Luke Schenn and Erik Gustafsson AND the fact that they were willing to move both Rasmus Sandin and their 1st round picks this year and in 2025, it's pretty safe to say that there might be something to this report.