It is one of the largest “what as” in recent Toronto Maple Leafs History: What if Lou Lamoriello had stayed as General Manager (GM) instead of Brendan Shanahan who handed the track to Kyle Dubas in 2018? The decision marked a turning point in the franchise process.
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Looking back, it is fair to ask if it could have been different if the triple Stanley Cup winner was in charge.
Lamoriello was Shanahan’s mentor, then he was replaced
When Lou Lamoriello arrived in Toronto in 2015, the concept that he would serve as a short -term mentor for Brendan Shanahan, who still learned the ropes as a team curtor. Lamoriello was already one of the most respected managers in the NHL history-a no-nonsense leader who had built championship schedules with the New Jersey Devils.
But after three seasons, Shanahan decided it was time for change. Lamoriello, still energetic and not ready to retire, was replaced by his much younger assistant, Kyle Dubas.
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Dubas, then only 32 years old, was seen as a progressive, progressive “yes-man” for the vision of Shanahan. He brought youth, smart and optimism to his new job. He also surrounded himself with solid young thinkers who brought a modern analysis approach. That said, his inexperience in managing a stars -littered Roster returned to chase him and the Maple Leafs?
Would Lamoriello have treated the Kern Vier differently?
One of the grim contrasts between the two GMs is in contract negotiations. Under Dubas, the young stars of the Maple Leafs-William Nylyer, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner-Oil signed large money extensions with heavy signing bonuses, no-movement clauses and top salaries. Critics claim that the players and their agents “ran everywhere” the front office.
Although looking back, One can find deviationsLamoriello had the reputation to be fearless at the negotiating table. It is difficult to imagine that he gives up term, cap -space and flexibility so freely. He may have played hardball, exhibited extensions or insisted on more team -friendly deals. It is at least doubtful that all three contracts would have been so player -friendly.
The Tavares -Question
The most celebrated move from Dubas was the general manager of Maple Leafs Signing John Tavares in the summer of 2018. But in reality, Toronto was always the tough favorite. The San Jose Sharks were the only other serious competition and Tavares wanted to play for a long time for his hometown team.
Given that leverage, why would you pay the full $ 11 million a year? A more seasoned GM such as Lamoriello may have even shaved a million dollars or two of the deal, so that valuable dop space along the line has been released.
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Tavares is still a productive player, but his contract of $ 11 million used a large part of the salary limit. As a result, this deal is the grid flexibility of the Maple Leafs for years.
Schedule construction: Identity is important
Perhaps the most important philosophical difference between the two general managers rested in the schedule building. Dubas leaned heavily on small, skilled attackers and an aging mix of veterans. His so -called DNA would have been totally different than what Lamoriello would have been. Although the Maple Leafs talent abundant, they often missed a clear identity-the kind of character players and championship-hardened veterans that Losoriello appreciated.
Earlier this week Dubas admitted that in an interview His biggest regret as Maple Leafs GM Exchange Mason Marchment for Denis Malgin. Malgin hardly played in Toronto, while Marchment created his career at the Florida Panthers. Interestingly, although Dubas pulled the trigger on that trade – and never threw anyone else under the bus for the decision – the conversation hinted that he was not completely alone to take that step. There was encouragement from elsewhere in the organization to get some ‘skill’. The conversation suggests that Dubas had no complete control over every decision, and that is how management should work.
Lamoriello’s Post-Toronto record was less impressive, but still …
Lamoriello’s Post-Toronto record speaks for itself: within a few seasons after taking over the New York Islanders, he had built a team that reached back-to-back conference final. That was not an accident. His formula – disciplined defense, strong goal convening and physically engaged ahead – works in the late season. The Maple Leafs, under Dubas, have never fully accepted that approach, and the results are what they are.
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On paper, the Maple Leafs have placed better regular and postseason records than the islanders, but only results do not tell the whole story. Dubas had more talent to work with in Toronto, while Lamoriello built a harder, more disciplined island resident team that struck his weight class. That contrast makes it difficult to assess what Lamoriello may have achieved if he had stayed in Toronto. Yet it is fair to wonder if his no-nonsense approach could have pushed the team further if it mattered the most.
Why Lamoriello did not stay in Toronto
When Dubas was promoted, Lamoriello reportedly got an advisory role, but refused to accept it. Whether he was not interested or did not want to work with the inexperienced Dubas is unclear. Some speculate that he saw early signs of stubborn thinking and decided that it would be an exercise in uselessness. Instead, he left for the islanders, where he immediately recovered organizational discipline and respect.
Dubas has always considered Lamoriello to be a mentor – and still does that to this day. Of course it is probably easier for him to say that, because he is the one who eventually landed the job. There is a certain greatness to speak that way when you hold the upper hand. Although fans may not agree with all Dubas choices, there is nothing in his past to suggest that he was a bad guy. He was transparent, made the best decisions from his perspective and surrounded himself with modern tools and intelligent people to help build the team.
The last “What if” for Lamoriello and Dubas
Now with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dubas faces a different challenge. His main task is to maximize the last years of the Sidney Crosby era. He convinced Fenway Sports Group to buy in his vision, but the outdated core of the Penguins and the superficial prospect pool make it a risky long -term situation. When Mario Lemieux returns to a ownership role, Dubas can keep an eye on much.
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We will never know exactly how things would have been folded if Lamoriello had stayed in Toronto. However, it is reasonable to think that the salary cap situation of the Maple Leafs would be healthier, their selection would be more ready for Playoff and their organizational discipline would be stronger. Shanahan’s decision to continue from Lou and Fast-Track Dubas remains one of the most consistent choices in the modern history of Maple Leafs and in the coming years will debate in the coming years.
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