Dubas releases statement following Maple Leafs departure

Kyle Dubas released his first public comments since it was announced last week that he would not return as general manager of Toronto Maple Leafs next season.

"While I understand there is interest surrounding the circumstances of my departure, I will not get into the specifics of what I consider to be reasonable and consistent but private discussions," Dubas said in a statement Tuesday. "In the days that I felt I needed to assess and evaluate my own view to the future, both with respect to the necessary direction of the Club and ensuring that I had the full support of my family for what I knew would be required in the offseason and years to follow, the organization, as is their right to do, decided to go in a different direction."

On May 18, Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan said they "decided to part ways with Dubas," whose five-year contract will expire June 30, despite attempting to come to an agreement on a new deal throughout the previous week.

At locker cleanout day May 15, three days after Toronto was eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Florida Panthers in five games in the best-of-7 Eastern Conference Second Round, Dubas said he intended to speak with his family prior to deciding whether he wanted to return as GM.

Shanahan said he approached Dubas after the NHL Trade Deadline on March 3 and wanted him to be the GM going forward. Shanahan and Dubas' agent started working on a contract, and Shanahan gave Dubas the offer May 14.

However, Shanahan said he started looking for other options after Dubas said he wasn't sure he wanted to continue as GM. Shortly after, Dubas was informed he would not be returning.

Dubas was promoted to GM on May 11, 2018, taking over for Lou Lamoriello, after joining the Maple Leafs on July 22, 2014, as an assistant GM. He was 221-109-42 as Toronto GM, a position he assumed at 32 years old.

"In the nine seasons since being afforded the opportunity to work in the National Hockey League for the Toronto Maple Leafs, we have had the chance to learn a lot and have grown significantly through the ups and downs," Dubas said. "We have watched our family double in size while developing meaningful relationships which will last a lifetime. It was an honor to be able to work in such an inspiring place, with dedicated, loyal people and an extremely passionate fan base. The impact of that and the relationships with all of the people at MLSE (Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment), from the board of directors through to the ushers at Scotiabank Arena, will forever hold a dear place in our hearts."

The Maple Leafs had the fifth-highest points percentage in the NHL since Dubas took over (.651) and qualified for the playoffs in each of his five seasons as GM, but only advanced past the first round this season.

Dubas had been linked to other NHL jobs, but had said he would not take a job with another team and either would remain with the Maple Leafs or take time off.

"To the players, coaches and staff at the facility each day, past and present, thank you for your passion and commitment at every step of the journey together," he said. "It was a tremendous pleasure to work alongside you each day. We will roll from here."