His negotiating position will be improved by orders of magnitude if this ends up being the team’s breakthrough season. And even if it doesn’t, ownership would be taking a massive risk by cutting ties with Dubas on the precipice of a summer where Auston Matthews is eligible to sign his own extension.
Dubas has a strong relationship with the reigning Hart Trophy winner and his agent Judd Moldaver. They’ve already engaged in some degree of dialogue about the path ahead. Everyone is comfortable with the process.
It was not insignificant that Matthews showed up at training camp and spoke so glowingly without prompting about the team and the city, saying “I consider it home now.”
Remember that he essentially has full control over the circumstances surrounding his next contract since it can’t officially be signed until July 1, 2023 – the same day his no-movement clause kicks in.
Given what Matthews means to the organization and the positive undertones about his future here, it would hardly seem sensible to introduce a new GM into the mix weeks before the Leafs need his signature on a deal.
