One factor that former Toronto Maple Leafs normal supervisor (GM) Kyle Dubas likes greater than anything is a reclamation venture. In his time with the Maple Leafs, he had a historical past of pursuing reclamation initiatives all through his tenure as an NHL normal supervisor. Listed here are just a few notable examples:
Reclamation Mission One: Alex Galchenyuk
Dubas acquired Alex Galchenyuk in February 2021 after the ahead had bounced round a number of groups. Galchenyuk confirmed flashes of his former potential with the Maple Leafs, contributing helpful depth scoring. Nevertheless, whereas he was rumoured to have had a proposal from the group, he turned it down. He then actually by no means landed wherever else within the NHL and has grow to be a little bit of a hockey pilgrim.
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Reclamation Mission Two: Tyson Barrie
Tyson Barrie was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche in a deal that despatched Nazem Kadri the opposite means. Whereas Barrie wasn’t really a reclamation venture, his offensive capabilities had been identified, however he struggled defensively. Nonetheless, Dubas took an opportunity on his potential to bolster the Maple Leafs’ blue line. Barrie by no means discovered the identical success elsewhere that he had with the Avalanche, and after a stint with the Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators, he’s now an unrestricted free agent.
Reclamation Mission Three: Jason Spezza
Jason Spezza was a unique sort of reclamation venture. He was signed as a veteran presence who many thought was nicely previous his prime. Dubas noticed worth in his expertise and management, and Spezza supplied stable depth scoring and mentorship to youthful gamers. Dubas and Spezza grew to become shut working colleagues and, when Dubas went to the Penguins, Spezza adopted.Â
Reclamation Mission 4: Matt Murray
Dubas acquired Matt Murray in a commerce with the Ottawa Senators in July 2022. Murray had been a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Penguins however had struggled with accidents and inconsistency in Ottawa. Dubas noticed an opportunity to herald a goalie with a championship resume and the potential to rediscover his type. Murray’s accidents stored him out of the lineup. Nonetheless, Dubas took a danger to bolster the group’s goalie scenario. Murray simply signed a bargain-basement contract with the group for this season. Might he make a return to his former success?Â
Reclamation Mission 5: Ilya Samsonov
Dubas signed Ilya Samsonov to a one-year deal in July 2022 after the Washington Capitals determined to not lengthen a qualifying provide to the restricted free agent. Samsonov had struggled with consistency throughout his tenure in Washington. Nevertheless, Dubas’ transfer paid off, and Samsonov supplied stable video games in the course of the 2022-23 season. After his struggles final season, he’s now on one other one-year take care of the Vegas Golden Knights.
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Reclamation Mission Six: Nick Ritchie
Nick Ritchie was signed within the 2021 offseason after being let go by the Boston Bruins. Whereas his tenure with the Maple Leafs was short-lived as a result of he by no means obtained on monitor, Dubas noticed potential in Ritchie’s bodily type and goal-scoring capacity. Ritchie kicked across the NHL for a few seasons after he left the Maple Leafs and final season performed in Finland’s SM-liiga and Germany’s Deutsche Eishockey League.
Reclamation Mission Seven: Ondrej Kaše
Dubas signed Ondrej Kaše simply earlier than the 2021-22 season. Though Kase had an harm historical past, Dubas wager on his expertise and hoped he may put collectively a wholesome season to make a major impression. He was stable when he performed for the Maple Leafs, however his concussions stored him sidelined. Luckily, Kase appears to be on the mend and performed final season again house in Czechia – was a point-a-game participant there and contributed to his house group’s Worldwide Hockey Championship this 12 months.
Whereas not all reclamation initiatives pan out, Dubas’ strategy demonstrates his perception in giving gamers alternatives to rejuvenate their careers. This technique can result in excessive rewards for minimal funding, becoming nicely inside a cap-constrained league just like the NHL.
Might Nick Robertson Be One other Reclamation Mission for Dubas?
Because the Penguins strategize for the upcoming season, there have been rumours a few potential curiosity in buying Nick Robertson from the Maple Leafs. The 22-year-old ahead, who simply accomplished his entry-level contract, has grow to be a restricted free agent and is presently unsigned. Rumours are additionally that he has requested the Maple Leafs for a commerce to a different group.Â
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Together with his former GM Dubas all the time searching for low-cost reclamation initiatives, may this set the stage for a reunion? The Penguins are aiming for a resurgence after lacking the playoffs in 2023. They’ve been energetic in including veteran expertise to their roster. Final season, they introduced in Erik Karlsson at nice expense. This offseason, they added veteran Kevin Hayes. Nevertheless, the franchise can be youthful gamers who can contribute now and sooner or later.
Robertson’s Potential Transfer
Robertson, drafted by Dubas within the second spherical of the 2019 NHL Draft, has proven flashes of potential. Nevertheless, he has struggled with accidents and inconsistent play. With 34 factors in 87 profession NHL video games, Robertson’s expertise is clear, however he hasn’t totally capitalized on his alternatives in Toronto. In his thoughts, he possible has not been given a good shake. Even after having a powerful preseason, as a result of he was waiver exempt he was a shock transfer to the American Hockey League (AHL) Toronto Marlies.
If Robertson persists in his want to be traded, would Dubas, identified for his affinity for reclamation initiatives, see worth in bringing Robertson to Pittsburgh? A part of the reply to that query is what the fee can be. If it’s minimal, that may make sense. In response, Toronto GM Brad Treliving has spoken in regards to the scenario. He’s emphasised that the Maple Leafs see Robertson as an essential participant regardless of his frustrations.
Now What for Robertson and the Maple Leafs?
The Penguins have the salary-cap area to suit Robertson onto their roster. Financially, they’ve $3.5 million in salary-cap area, sufficient to accommodate his projected contract. Projections are that he may signal a two-year, $2.7 million contract with a cap hit of simply over $1.3 million. This suits nicely inside Pittsburgh’s finances and supplies them with a low-risk, probably high-reward participant.
The connection between Dubas and Robertson makes this a believable state of affairs if the Maple Leafs can not persuade Robertson to stay round. If the Penguins can purchase Robertson for an inexpensive price, it may present each the participant and the group with a contemporary begin. His offensive upside and familiarity with Dubas may simply be the important thing to unlocking his full potential in Pittsburgh.
Might Robertson Land in Pittsburgh?
Because the offseason progresses, Maple Leafs followers ought to regulate the potential of transferring Robertson. The Penguins are searching for extra offence, and the transfer can be per GM Dubas’ sample of pursuing reclamation initiatives. He likes to establish gamers with excessive potential who’ve confronted setbacks. Typically they don’t work out, however that doesn’t imply he gained’t proceed to swing for the fences.
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Dubas’ strategy affords the group the possibility to profit from high-reward eventualities with comparatively low monetary danger. The technique underscores Dubas’ perception within the worth of giving gamers a contemporary begin and the chance to show themselves in a brand new atmosphere.
