Kyle Dubas' 3 worst decisions during his stint as GM in Toronto

While intentions were aimed at strengthening the team, some of these decisions have left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads in hindsight, especially as we observe the unfolding careers of the players involved elsewhere. Here's a deeper dive into what could be considered his three most controversial decisions.

#3: Remember Jared McCann's brief stint with the Maple Leafs? Acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a minimal return, McCann's potential was unmistakable. Yet, his tenure was abruptly cut short when Dubas opted to leave him unprotected in the Seattle Kraken expansion draft, prioritizing Justin Holl instead.

McCann, who quickly became a core player for the Kraken, posted three consecutive 25-goal seasons, including a standout 40-goal campaign in 2022-23. This move, in retrospect, seems a glaring oversight.

#2: Approaching the trade deadline, Toronto made a significant gamble by trading for Nick Foligno, involving a complex three-way deal with Columbus and San Jose.

The Leafs parted with a first-round pick and two fourth-rounders, a steep price for Foligno, who was nearing the tail end of his career. Unfortunately, Foligno's time in Toronto was marred by injuries, contributing zero goals in a combined 11 regular season and playoff games. This trade, costly and ultimately ineffective, highlights the risks of deadline deals.

#1: Among Dubas' decisions, trading Nazem Kadri to the Colorado Avalanche stands out. Kadri, known for his grit and skill, was swapped for Tyson Barrie and Alex Kerfoot. Barrie struggled to adapt to Toronto's play style and lasted only one season, while Kerfoot, despite being a competent player, could not fill Kadri's shoes in terms of impact. Kadri's absence left a void in Toronto's lineup that has been challenging to fill, marking this trade as perhaps Dubas' most debatable move.

Worthy of honourable mention is the trade of Mason Marchment for Dennis Malgin and the decision to trade a first-round pick (Seth Jarvis) to offload Patrick Marleau's contract. Each of these moves has had lasting implications for the team's composition and cap space management.

As we look back on these decisions, it's clear that each move carried potential that unfortunately did not materialize as hoped. Dubas' tenure was marked by a willingness to take risks, some of which did not pan out, underscoring the unpredictable nature of sports management.

The legacy of Kyle Dubas with the Toronto Maple Leafs serves as a valuable case study in the risks and rewards of NHL team management. As the Leafs continue to evolve, the impact of his decisions will undoubtedly be a topic of analysis and discussion for years to come.