Captain John Tavares comments about Kyle Dubas' firing

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Austin Kelly
July 14, 2023 (8:16 PM)

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John Tavares finally spoke for the first time on the firing of former Leafs GM Kyle Dubas.

Tavares gives remarks on Dubas firing

John Tavares, Kyle Dubas' statement acquisition in the Summer of 2018, was the first major signing by Dubas after being hired only less than 2 months prior. Tavares has been managed by Dubas his entire Leafs tenure.

Tavares admitted he was surprised by the firing of Dubas, but has confidence in incoming GM Brad Treliving.

You guys know the impact Kyle has made on me & the role he played when I was a free agent & convincing me why this opportunity was the right one ... we understand that's the business of the game and things happen,"

Dubas was let go after 5 seasons at the helm of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team making the Second Round of the NHL Playoffs for the first time since 2004, but indecisiveness on the end of Dubas led to his contracted not being renewed.

No regrets

Leafs President Brendan Shanahan had said following the decision that he wished to have Dubas back, but was concerned that Dubas wasn't fully committed to his future with the organization, something Dubas admitted at this end-of-season availability.

Dubas was later named President of Hockey Operations by the Pittsburgh Penguins, giving the 37-year-old much greater reigns to control over the club.

Dubas quickly acted, poaching Jason Spezza from the Leafs brass as Pittsburgh's Assistant General Manager.

While Tavares isn't surprised by Dubas being let go, he still appears to have faith in the organization, even without Kyle Dubas leading the way.