Kyle Dubas isn’t there yet.
The Toronto Maple Leafs assistant general manager and GM of the AHL Marlies told reporters Wednesday that he doesn’t believe he’s ready to become a general manager in the National Hockey League.
“Very bluntly put, I don’t believe I’m ready to be an NHL general manager,” Dubas told reporters (watch above). “I believe I have a lot to learn, and I believe Toronto is the best place for me to learn that.”
Dubas, 30, was hired by Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan in July 2014 after making a name for himself in the Ontario Hockey League.
An analytics expert, the prodigy became GM of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds at age 24. He said managing adult pros as opposed to kids marked a significant change.
As an assistant under Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello — a Hall of Fame GM with two more seasons left on his contract — Dubas guided the Marlies to first place in the American Hockey League.
“I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go and continue to grow and develop as a manager in hockey,” he said. “There’s no better place to learn than here with the Leafs.”
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Arizona Coyotes expressed interest in hiring Dubas to replace fired GM Don Maloney.
“Rumors are one thing, but tampering is another, and we have not reached out at all to [Dubas or the Leafs],” Coyotes co-owner Anthony LeBlanc told Sportsnet’s John Shannon.
Gotta See It: Dubas and Marlies dressing room attendant Peter Flagler play “20 Questions,” in which we learn Dubas is a fan of apple fritters, Brandon Pridham’s cap magic and Rich Clune jokes. Also: Mussels are a luxurious meal.
