Ex-Leafs GM Kyle Dubas Reveals He Was Fired For Over-Ruling Brendan Shanahan In His Final Days

Throughout eight years of post-season failures, many had called for change and for one of the 'Core Four' to be traded. Dubas hinted at making significant changes a few times in his end-of-season press conferences, but was seemingly told behind the scenes that moving one of the core members was not going to happen.

A dismal second-round performance by the Leafs in 2023 had many believing that the Leafs' performance was the reason Dubas was fired mere days later.

The news of his firing sent shockwaves through the NHL and its fan base, as many had suspected he would be signing an extension to continue to build the Leafs into a Stanley Cup Champion.

When Dubas spoke to the media in the days leading up to his firing, he said he was going to stay in Toronto or take some time off. Once fired, however, Dubas was quickly named the President and GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Later, reports surfaced revealing an apparent power struggle between himself and Shanahan. Despite those reports, Dubas denied answering any questions about his departure until earlier this year when he was a guest on the 'Cam and Strick' podcast.

Ahead of the Penguins loss to the Leafs on Monday, the 39-year-old sat down with The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun where he finally revealed he was fired for speaking to the media at the end of the 2023 season. In Dubas' defense, the reason why he gave was admirable and shouldn't have led to his dismissal.

Whether you liked him or not, his response to LeBrun's question certainly earned my respect and shows why he was appreciated by so many in the Leafs' organization.

Unfortunately, it appears that his loyalty is also why he was fired.

As he looks to guide the Penguins through a rebuild while also giving Sidney Crosby another chance at a Stanley Cup, the former Leafs' GM has become one of the most respected executives by players.