FACT CHECK: Was Kyle Dubas fired because he wanted more money? Debunking the reason behind firing of Leafs GM

The recent departure of Kyle Dubas as the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs has sparked intense speculation and rumors regarding the reasons behind his firing. One prevailing narrative suggests that Dubas was let go because he demanded more money in his contract negotiations with team president Brendan Shanahan.

A closer review of the facts, however, reveals a more complex picture, with power struggles and a lack of faith being crucial factors in this decision. Here, we will debunk the notion that Kyle Dubas's firing was solely motivated by monetary issues and shed light on the deeper dynamics at play within the organization.

It is true that Kyle Dubas's agent made a demand for a better financial package in the contract negotiations. However, this late request was not the sole reason for his dismissal. Shanahan had expressed his readiness to offer a contract extension as early as March, and both parties believed they were close to finalizing a deal. Dubas's sudden change in stance, pushing for more money and power within the organization, created an unexpected shift in the negotiations.

Beyond the monetary aspect, there is strong evidence to suggest that Dubas's push for more autonomy and power within the organization played a significant role in his departure. Shanahan and other higher-ups were apparently not receptive to Dubas's desire for increased authority. This power struggle likely contributed to a breakdown in trust and undermined the working relationship between Dubas and the team's leadership.

One more reason which solidified Shanahan's decision on Kyle Dubas

Another critical factor in Dubas's dismissal was his own wavering commitment to the general manager position. During a public press conference, Kyle Dubas enumerated the negatives of the role, citing the pressure and strain it placed on his family.

This public display of uncertainty about his future with the organization startled Shanahan and prompted questions about Dubas' long-term commitment to the role. When Dubas stated his hesitancy, Shanahan admitted that he needed to seriously explore finding a new GM.

Shanahan said:

“There was a dramatic shift in my thinking. As Kyle expressed, he might not want to be our GM. And I had to take that very seriously … There was a real possibility I would be looking for someone else.”

Examining Shanahan's past decisions reveals a pattern of making bold moves to shape the team's direction. He previously let go of GM Lou Lamoriello to pave the way for Dubas, indicating his determination to mold the organization according to his vision.

Shanahan also replaced head coach Mike Babcock, whom he himself had recruited, signaling his willingness to make difficult choices to achieve success. This track record suggests that Shanahan's decision to part ways with Dubas was not solely based on financial disagreements but also on his assessment of Dubas's fit for the position.