As soon as the playoffs ended for the Leafs, the debates as far as the outlook of the roster heated up. Is there a chance that one of Leo Komarov, Tyler Bozak, or James van Riemsdyk, are brought back for next season? Do the Leafs decide to move on from Jake Gardiner? Was this the end of the Roman Polak-Mike Babcock legendary companionship?

However, yesterday’s news put a new ticket into the universe as far as who will be the team’s next general manager. In case you’re living under a rock, or put down your phone for the entirety of the day, Lou Lamoriello will not be the Leafs GM next season. Not the biggest surprise in the slightest and now there’s another vacancy that needs to be filled.

I wonder who it will be?

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. If only we had a hint or a sign from the clouds.

I’m not sure what your thoughts on it are, but there’s no doubt in my mind that Kyle Dubas will be the Leafs next general manager. We can go into the details and bring up his track record and what he’s done with the Toronto Marlies over the years, but it comes down to one line.

Remember back when Lou was first hired? One of the questions at the presser was whether one of his responsibilities would be to mentor Dubas. Shanahan answered the question by first mentioning how special of an opportunity it would be for everyone to share some of Lou’s influence. But Lou added to it, saying:

I think that he’s a young fellow who has tremendous abilities. I know of his background and if he doesn’t become a general manager here, and I’m not going to be here for a lifetime, it’s going to be his fault.

Lou also had a nice little smile at the end of that which I appreciated.

Guys, Dubas is the next general manager.

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Happy Tuesday Leafs fans!

From The Branches