How Kyle Dubas vs. Lou Lamoriello Practice Decision – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

It’s one of the biggest “what ifs” in recent Toronto Maple Leafs history: What if Lou Lamoriello had stayed on as general manager (GM) instead of Brendan Shanahan giving the job to Kyle Dubas in 2018? The decision marked a turning point in the franchise’s trajectory.

Related: Former Maple Leafs GM Dubas: Symptom of Hockey’s Generation Gap

Now, in retrospect, it’s fair to ask if things would have turned out differently had the three-time Stanley Cup winner been in charge.

Lamoriello Was Shanahan’s Advisor, Then He Was Replaced

When Lou Lamoriello arrived in Toronto in 2015, the understanding was that he would serve as an interim advisor to Brendan Shanahan, who was still learning the ropes as team president. Lamoriello was already one of the most respected managers in NHL history – a no-nonsense leader who built championship rosters with the New Jersey Devils.

But after three seasons, Shanahan decided it was time for a change. Lamoriello, out of power and not ready to retire, was replaced by his youngest assistant, Kyle Dubas.

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Dubas, then just 32 years old, was seen as a progressive, forward-thinking “yes-man” in Shanahan’s vision. He brought youth, intelligence, and hope to his new job. He also surrounded himself with radical new thinkers who brought a modern approach to analysis. That said, did his inexperience in managing a star-studded roster come back to haunt him and the Maple Leafs?

Would Lamoriello Have Treated The Core Four Differently?

Another big difference between the two GMs is in contract negotiations. Under Dubas, the Maple Leafs’ young stars – William Nylander, Auston Matthews, and Mitch Marner – each signed big-money extensions with hefty signing bonuses, no-movement clauses, and above-market salaries. Critics argue players and their agents “go all over” the front office.

Although in retrospect, one can find it confusing, Lamoriello had a reputation for immobility at the negotiating table. It’s hard to imagine him giving up time, cap space, and flexibility in a free trade. He may be playing hardball, delaying extensions or looking for more deals that are good for the team. At the very least, it is doubtful that all three contracts would have been good for the players.

The Tavares question

Dubas’ most famous move as general manager of the Maple Leafs was signing John Tavares in the summer of 2018. But really, Toronto was always the big favorite. The San Jose Sharks were the only other tough competition, and Tavares has long wanted to play for his hometown team.

Given that momentum, why pay the entire $11 million a year? A seasoned GM like Lamoriello could have even shaved a million dollars or two off the deal, freeing up significant cap space down the line.

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Tavares is still a productive player, but his $11 million contract eats up a large portion of the salary. As a result, this deal gives the Maple Leafs flexibility for years.

Roster Construction: Identity Matters

Perhaps the most important philosophical difference between the two general managers is that of roster building. Dubas is leaning heavily on young, talented forwards and an aging mix of veterans. His so-called DNA would have been completely different from what Lamoriello would have been. While the Maple Leafs had plenty of talent, they often lacked a clear identity — the kind of character players and veterans who bolstered the championship Lamoriello values.

Dubas admitted in an interview that his biggest regret as Maple Leafs GM was trading Mason Marchment for Denis Malgin. Malgin never played in Toronto, while Marchment went on to create his career with the Florida Panthers. Interestingly, although Dubas led the trade – and never threw anyone else under the bus to make the decision – the interview revealed that he was not alone in doing so. There was encouragement from elsewhere in the organization to hold a certain “skill”. The discussion suggests that Dubas did not have complete control over all decisions, which is how managers are supposed to work.

Lamoriello’s post-Toronto record has been impressive, however…

Lamoriello’s post-Toronto record speaks for itself: within a few seasons of taking over the New York Islanders, he had built a team that reached back-to-back conference finals. That was no accident. His formula — straightforward defense, strong cornering, and physically engaging forwards — is working in the postseason. The Maple Leafs, under Dubas, have never taken full advantage of that approach, and the results are what they are.

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On paper, the Maple Leafs posted better regular season and postseason records than the Islanders, but results alone don’t tell the whole story. Dubas had more talent to work with in Toronto, while Lamoriello built a stronger, more focused Islanders team that punched above its weight class. That comparison makes it difficult to judge what Lamoriello would have achieved had he stayed in Toronto. Still, it’s fair to wonder if his no-nonsense approach can propel the team forward when it matters most.

Why Lamoriello Doesn’t Stay in Toronto

When Dubas was promoted, Lamoriello was reportedly offered an advisory role but refused to accept it. Whether he wasn’t interested or didn’t want to work alongside the inexperienced Dubas is unclear. Some think he saw early signs of stubborn thinking and decided it would be an exercise in futility. Instead, he went to the Islanders, where he quickly restored organizational discipline and respect.

Dubas has always looked to Lamoriello as a mentor — and still does to this day, it seems. Well, maybe it’s easier for him to say that since he was the one who finally got the job. There is a certain elegance in speaking like that when you hold the upper hand. Still, while fans may not agree with all of Dubas’ decisions, there is nothing in his past to suggest that he was a bad person. He was transparent, made the best decisions in his opinion, and surrounded himself with modern tools and smart people to help build the team.

One last “What If” for Lamoriello and Dubas

Now with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dubas faces a different challenge. His main job is to nurture the last years of Sidney Crosby’s era. He convinced Fenway Sports Group to buy into his vision, but the Penguins’ aging core and shallow talent pool make it a risky long-term situation. If Mario Lemieux returns to the ownership role, Dubas may find himself in the spotlight.

Related: What’s Really Holding The Toronto Maple Leafs Back?

We will never know exactly how things would have turned out if Lamoriello had stayed in Toronto. However, it’s reasonable to assume that the Maple Leafs’ salary cap situation would be healthier, their roster would be much better, and their organizational behavior would be stronger. Shanahan’s decision to move on from Lou and the speedy Dubas remains one of the most consequential decisions in modern Maple Leafs history — and one fans will debate for years to come.