Turmoil in Toronto: Shanahan prevented multiple Dubas decisions

His interference created frustration within the management group, and Elliotte Friedman noted on Saturday night that Dubas actually held an executive-only meeting on Wednesday that included a conversation about streamlining the processes of getting things done. Friedman notes that this wasn’t to insinuate that Dubas was trying to remove Shanahan from the equation, but Dubas wanted less red tape when it came to key decisions. That’s understandable considering Shanahan had sometimes imposed his own preferred moves on Dubas, leading to disagreements and a clash of ideologies.

Shanahan’s Influence and Dubas’ Emotional Press Conference

Given Shanahan’s position in the organizational hierarchy, the reported chaotic atmosphere weighed on Dubas throughout the season and going into his press conference at the end of the year. When he finally spoke with the media, Dubas delivered an emotionally charged response to a question about whether he wanted to be back and in no uncertain terms, he was non-committal.

Shanahan was greatly troubled by Dubas’ unexpected press conference and felt his GM had gone off script. Shanahan had apparently been advocating for Dubas to the Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment’s board, working hard to convince them that he was their guy, even though many had doubts. Shanahan secured a five-year extension for his GM after the board required waiting until Dubas’ initial contract was completed, but throughout, their relationship remained strained.

People Behind the Scenes Took Sides

As tensions mounted between Shanahan and Dubas, factions began to form within the organization. Jason Spezza immediately resigned and some individuals aligned with Dubas are reportedly preparing to leave, following Spezza’s lead. That said, others are hopeful of climbing the ladder as the power structure changes.

Things in the front office are chaotic, and with time not on Shanahan’s side, what happens next is anyone’s guess. Where will players like Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Mitch Marner land in all of this? Who will be hired to determine the fate of three of the biggest stars in franchise history? And, will Dubas pick himself up, take a job elsewhere and shove it down the throats of the Leafs organization? With full autonomy to make decisions elsewhere, who knows what one of the most successful GMs in recent Maple Leafs’ history can accomplish?