NHLPA investigating FORMER Leafs GM Dubas' agent for possible violation

[Superstar]

He also was far too stubborn to stick with Keefe. He tied his horse to Keefe and it started to look like pure favoritism and cronyism

Yes, he should have fired Keefe after the Habs series.

 

[capfit9]

There's a quote often attributed to Napoleon and currently known as Hanlon's Razor. It states: "Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence."

During his tenure here, I've never seen Dubas do anything malicious - but I've seen plenty of his incompetence - and I think this is the case here.

I don't expect him to receive any formal punishment, but it's more egg on his face, and further reason to doubt his competence.

Succinct

 

[TMLBlueandWhite]

One thing we can do for certain is get rid of the word "conspiracy" in regards to this.

There is no conspiracy here - Both Matthews and Dubas work with Wasserman - this is a fact.

The NHLPA isn't doing an investigation - more of an inquiry about the relationships between all the parties. This kind of thing is clearly allowed too - there's no rules anywhere saying that a GM and a player can't share the same agency.

What people wanna know is that when Dubas negotiated these contracts - was he doing it in the best interest of the Leafs or was he working with Wasserman to help them, himself and Auston more than helping the Leafs?

Two things about Kyle during his tenure here that make me question some things:

1. He was married to this core no matter what, defended them to the death every playoff failure.
2. The NMC's aligned directly with his own contract expiring. Mitch's specifically kicking in 2 years from free agency - unluckily aligning it directly beside Matthews'.

With regards to item two, it's because that's when they were all first eligible for a NMC.

They all came into the league the same year.

Players are eligible for a NMC after seven seasons.

 

[Donnie740]

Dubas.. is not under suspicion of having done anything wrong. There's been no suggestion of that, other than trumped up reaches looking to fit it in to a narrative.

The NHL is not investigating anything.

The PA has no authority to suspend Dubas.

No, I am not a Fan Boi, really good with moving on on GM, looking forward to it.

Please don't ever spell boy boi again, it's ugly lol..

If, as you proclaim, Dubas “is not under suspicion of having done anything wrong” why do you suppose the NHLPA opened an investigation on him for conflict of interest?

 

[Leaf Fans]

If, as you proclaim, Dubas “is not under suspicion of having done anything wrong” why do you suppose the NHLPA opened an investigation on him for conflict of interest?

They didn't as you see in the title of the thread Dubas' agent is under investigation.

 

[Dekes For Days]

Well the Matthews deal seemed pretty ill timed in terms of the NMC lock out in the last year and seemed to be designed, as we discussed last week before shit hit the fan. The Marner one kicking in looks even worse since it’s 2 years out and there’s no rhyme or reason why he should have it.

People do realize that the NMCs kick in this year because this is the first year that the players are allowed to have them, right? And the "rhyme or reason" they have them is because it's pretty standard for players of that quality. It's not a conspiracy to align them with anything.

I’m kinda wondering if it’s normal for GM’s to even have agents? If you can negotiate professional contracts as your job, why do you need someone taking a percentage on your contact… the whole thing is bizarre.

It's not bizarre to focus on your job mid-season and let a trusted 3rd party negotiate against the team for your future contract. One would think that those trying to find conspiracy and conflict of interest in things would appreciate that.

 

[Donnie740]

Seems kinda strange how the media shills who always have the inside scoop on Dubas have absolutely nothing to say on this matter.

I wonder why Mirtle the Turtle is suddenly hiding inside his shell?

 

[Forecheck1]

One thing we can do for certain is get rid of the word "conspiracy" in regards to this.

There is no conspiracy here - Both Matthews and Dubas work with Wasserman - this is a fact.

The NHLPA isn't doing an investigation - more of an inquiry about the relationships between all the parties. This kind of thing is clearly allowed too - there's no rules anywhere saying that a GM and a player can't share the same agency.

What people wanna know is that when Dubas negotiated these contracts - was he doing it in the best interest of the Leafs or was he working with Wasserman to help them, himself and Auston more than helping the Leafs?

Two things about Kyle during his tenure here that make me question some things:

1. He was married to this core no matter what, defended them to the death every playoff failure.
2. The NMC's aligned directly with his own contract expiring. Mitch's specifically kicking in 2 years from free agency - unluckily aligning it directly beside Matthews'.

This is not a coincidence - Greasy Dubas did this for his own Leverage .... What team would hire a guy like this .. He and his Cronies( Dubasites ) should be banished from the League .

 

[thewave]

Seems kinda strange how the media shills who always have the inside scoop on Dubas have absolutely nothing to say on this matter.

I wonder why Mirtle the Turtle is suddenly hiding inside his shell?

They don't want anything to do with it anymore. They are running. Dekes is still on the case in here saying Dubas is not under investigation when Seravalli implicates him directly. He is also saying this is the first year that all of them are eligible for NMC's which is untrue as well, considering they were drafted in different years..

 

[All Mod Cons]

So... much.. wrong.. ugh.. no.. no.. fine..

Dubas.. is not under suspicion of having done anything wrong. There's been no suggestion of that, other then trumped up reaches looking to fit it in to a narrative.

The NHL is not investigating anything.

The PA has no authority to suspend Dubas.

No, I am not a Fan Boi, really good with moving on on GM, looking forward to it.

Please don't ever spell boy boi again, it's ugly lol..

What is the point of the post, really? You can't honestly consider it a likely outcome right, we're just baiting reaction with it.


You would have a union do other then attempt to maximize restitution to its members?

I mean as a Leaf fan, maybe that's not great for me, fine, but I can't logically expect something else from a union.

Sweet. You've joined the "let's use the word narrative at all cost" group.

We welcome you Sir.

 

[Throw More Waffles]

You would have a union do other then attempt to maximize restitution to its members?

I mean as a Leaf fan, maybe that's not great for me, fine, but I can't logically expect something else from a union.

Under the cba, the players get half the league revenue regardless of agents playing hardball.

When star players squeeze their gm, it only means that the role players make less money.

 

[Hockeysawks]

The whole thing doesn't make sense to me - those raising the alarm and the NHLPA investigating doesn't make any sense... though the NHL investigating does if they find collusion has been happening, at the expense of the Toronto Maple Leafs for example.

Plus, I'm not sure Dubas is the one that would get into any actual trouble here... he might take a reputational hit but otherwise I'm not sure. Wasserman probably takes a hit as an agency if they've crossed streams and behaved in a collusive manner. I'm guessing maybe that Armstrong guy isn't all that bright, not being certified by the NHLPA, not really negotiating as typically done...

It feels more like a perfect storm of incompetence and inexperience than a careful conspiracy TBH.

Because if a GM gave out huge unfair contracts to players as a favour to his agent and lifelong friend that is money being stolen from the other players.

 

[57 Years No Cup]

How funny would it be to see the NHL and PA make an example out of Dubas and suspend him for a year?

The Dubas Fan Boi Club might have to disband if that happens.

They can find him at his new job. You have in in that uniform.

 

[ToDavid]

It is kind of strange that we haven’t heard a peep from anyone else. When has Toronto media ever not been all over juicy gossip like this? Where’s the Steve Simmonds column dunking on Dubas? Where’s the NHLPA’s statement, considering Seravalli claims this was confirmed by a spokesperson, rather than an anonymous source. Doesn’t sound like it’s something they’re keeping secret. Why didn’t Seravalli publish this confirmation?

 

[57 Years No Cup]

Sweet. You've joined the "let's use the word narrative at all cost" group.

We welcome you Sir.

Except when Shanahan allegedly said something and the only "evidence" is hearsay. Then he has a different narrative.

 

[Eye Test]

The conspiracy was real all along. How did I know!?

Lock him Up!

 

[therealkoho]

So... much.. wrong.. ugh.. no.. no.. fine..

Dubas.. is not under suspicion of having done anything wrong. There's been no suggestion of that, other then trumped up reaches looking to fit it in to a narrative.

The NHL is not investigating anything.

The PA has no authority to suspend Dubas.

No, I am not a Fan Boi, really good with moving on on GM, looking forward to it.

Please don't ever spell boy boi again, it's ugly lol..

What is the point of the post, really? You can't honestly consider it a likely outcome right, we're just baiting reaction with it.


You would have a union do other then attempt to maximize restitution to its members?

I mean as a Leaf fan, maybe that's not great for me, fine, but I can't logically expect something else from a union.

Of course that's their job to maximize pay, but they are working within certain parameters which have to be followed but that they don't seem to care about, as in the 50% rule which they wanted and imho wasn't a very good decision for the players.

If you have a league where 10 teams make all the money, and are bound by franchise charter to support other teams by way of "equalization!" Those 10 teams are paying out more than their share of the 50%,

Because if a GM gave out huge unfair contracts to players as a favour to his agent and lifelong friend that is money being stolen from the other players.

Bingo

 

[Mess]

Dubas began his NHL career as a NHLPA certified agent so he would know the rules better than most, and thus should know better, but Dubas always did what was only best for himself. .

Dubas knew the rules and perceived conflict of interest issues, and tried to exploit them regardless for his own benefit.

 

[ULF_55]

The union happens to think everyone in the league is underpaid.

It's no secret that the association/union actively promotes players and their agents seeking ever larger contracts, no team discounts need apply. Players who appear to be doing so will soon feel the displeasure of their brother members, and other players who use that same agent will be asked quietly to seek new representation.

The money is large and as such the corruption not only exists, but is large as well.

I'm actually wondering if a different agent with a Leafs player filed the complaint, lots of reasons for that.

I'm curious, how much money is actually not payed out from the total cap available.

If you add up all the HRR allocated paid, add money paid out for injured players that isn't via insurance and isn't counted against the Cap, how much more is available?

Maybe there should be 2 contracts per player, one regular season, one playoffs.

And this investigation appears to be about a former agent for Dubas?

 

[Throw More Waffles]

This really is kind of sketchy. Dubas has been life long friends with this agent. This agent was in that firm during the Matthews contract signing. Matthews was given that contract during the season without any real tough negotiations. They sort of just gave him what he wanted.

Darren Ferris said this shortly after the Matthews contract was announced: “That’s probably the best contract in the NHL."

Matthew Tkachuck said that Matthews contract set the bar and changed the contract landscape.

Then there was that athletic article where a whole bunch of anonymous gm's vented their frustration about the Matthews contract. I think it's forgotten just how much the Matthews contract rattled the entire NHL. Friedman said the Matthews contract changed everything. There's this athletic article showing just how important the Matthews contract for rfa's going forward and how much it hurts gm's leverage.

How the Matthews deal shifts the market for the next group of star RFAs

The Matthews contract is a game-changer for players coming out of entry-level contracts. Craig Custance chats with agents and executives to get the impact.

theathletic.com

So this isn't just another contract. We're talking about a GROUNDBREAKING contract that shocked the entire hockey world and changed things forever. And Dubas has a bestie that works as his agent in the same firm that "negotiated" this groundbreaking contract.

I'd also like to point out something strange in the Shanahan press conference. He specifically points out that Dubas let him know who his agent is, and that Shanahan met him for the first time. And then less than 30 seconds later Shanahan said that his opinion on the whole matter changed on a dime. Everyone found it strange. Why did Shanahan go from "Let's sign Dubas as quick as we can" to "We're going in another direction." I don't think it was the "family" stuff. I don't think it was the renegotiation. I think Shanahan new that this new agent/matthews situation was a very VERY bad look.

 

[horner]

Their trade protection started as soon as they were eligible, like basically every other notable RFA in the league

 

[Trapper]

This really is kind of sketchy. Dubas has been life long friends with this agent. This agent was in that firm during the Matthews contract signing. Matthews was given that contract during the season without any real tough negotiations. They sort of just gave him what he wanted.

Darren Ferris said this shortly after the Matthews contract was announced: “That’s probably the best contract in the NHL."

Matthew Tkachuck said that Matthews contract set the bar and changed the contract landscape.

Then there was that athletic article where a whole bunch of anonymous gm's vented their frustration about the Matthews contract. I think it's forgotten just how much the Matthews contract rattled the entire NHL. Friedman said the Matthews contract changed everything. There's this athletic article showing just how important the Matthews contract for rfa's going forward and how much it hurts gm's leverage.

How the Matthews deal shifts the market for the next group of star RFAs

The Matthews contract is a game-changer for players coming out of entry-level contracts. Craig Custance chats with agents and executives to get the impact.

theathletic.com

So this isn't just another contract. We're talking about a GROUNDBREAKING contract that shocked the entire hockey world and changed things forever. And Dubas has a bestie that works as his agent in the same firm that "negotiated" this groundbreaking contract.

I'd also like to point out something strange in the Shanahan press conference. He specifically points out that Dubas let him know who his agent is, and that Shanahan met him for the first time. And then less than 30 seconds later Shanahan said that his opinion on the whole matter changed on a dime. Everyone found it strange. Why did Shanahan go from "Let's sign Dubas as quick as we can" to "We're going in another direction." I don't think it was the "family" stuff. I don't think it was the renegotiation. I think Shanahan new that this new agent/matthews situation was a very VERY bad look.

The school of Patrick Marleau.
1. Always say you are happy and the fans are the greatest.
2. Only sign mid length contracts as the next round of ELC graduates pushes the bar to maximize returns and create a new base level of contracts.
3. Avoid dangerous areas to maintain iron man and maximize no. 2

That’s the new groundbreaking.

 

[JT AM da real deal]

Which folks and what (bs) specifically?

As to "a free world" and representation, sure you can, but if you have the opportunity of getting the same service without the appearance of conflict, then your want should line up with your informed choice. If you freely choose to entangle in questionable optics, others are free to inquire, right?

I think da whole thing is a smear campaign .. clearly Shanny and Dubie had differences of opinion on right course going forward .. both sides to me acted like babies .. it is so bad clearly neither side can even tell da truth .. Dubie with his stupid family angle and Shanny with his "is he in" and smear campaign .. all smoke screens for da truth .. some of us aren't getting fooled with this media garbage feed

 

[All Mod Cons]

This really is kind of sketchy. Dubas has been life long friends with this agent. This agent was in that firm during the Matthews contract signing. Matthews was given that contract during the season without any real tough negotiations. They sort of just gave him what he wanted.

Darren Ferris said this shortly after the Matthews contract was announced: “That’s probably the best contract in the NHL."

Matthew Tkachuck said that Matthews contract set the bar and changed the contract landscape.

Then there was that athletic article where a whole bunch of anonymous gm's vented their frustration about the Matthews contract. I think it's forgotten just how much the Matthews contract rattled the entire NHL. Friedman said the Matthews contract changed everything. There's this athletic article showing just how important the Matthews contract for rfa's going forward and how much it hurts gm's leverage.

How the Matthews deal shifts the market for the next group of star RFAs

The Matthews contract is a game-changer for players coming out of entry-level contracts. Craig Custance chats with agents and executives to get the impact.

theathletic.com

So this isn't just another contract. We're talking about a GROUNDBREAKING contract that shocked the entire hockey world and changed things forever. And Dubas has a bestie that works as his agent in the same firm that "negotiated" this groundbreaking contract.

I'd also like to point out something strange in the Shanahan press conference. He specifically points out that Dubas let him know who his agent is, and that Shanahan met him for the first time. And then less than 30 seconds later Shanahan said that his opinion on the whole matter changed on a dime. Everyone found it strange. Why did Shanahan go from "Let's sign Dubas as quick as we can" to "We're going in another direction." I don't think it was the "family" stuff. I don't think it was the renegotiation. I think Shanahan new that this new agent/matthews situation was a very VERY bad look.

Probably why Dubas won the "best GM to deal with" poll that was done a while back. Little bit of the pot for everyone.

 

[57 Years No Cup]

"Daily Faceoff quoted an anonymous agent who insisted that union rules are quite clear — reps for a company that handles players are prohibited from taking management clients. That is a condition of certification explained to all agents in 2022. Dubas was himself an agent for a brief time."

Uh oh....