Dubas has authority too…
John Shannon: Multiple sources have confirmed that Kyle Dubas has the authority to fire coach Mike Babcock and he doesn’t need to get approval from the Board.
KHL … possibly one coming and one going
Kevin McGran: KHL free agent forward Ilya Mikheyev is leaning towards either the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Vegas Golden Knights.
Aivis Kalnins: AkBars Kazan acquired the rights to Toronto Maple Leafs pending free agent defenseman Igor Ozhiganov. Ozhiganov is expected to sign with AkBars after July 1st.
Who is staying to who could be on the move
James Mirtle of The Athletic: Changes are coming to the Toronto Maple Leafs but who is staying, who could be on the move and those in between.
The Untouchables – Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Morgan Rielly, Frederik Andersen, William Nylander, Jake Muzzin and Zach Hyman
– doesn’t think he’s going anywhere and that it doesn’t make sense to sell low on someone who is only 23-years old and has had two 60-point seasons.
Likely staying – Mitch Marner, Kasperi Kapanen, Andreas Johnsson, Travis Dermott, Trevor Moore, Calle Rosen, Nic Petan and Mike Babcock.
– doesn’t believe Marner will get close to Matthews money as center usually get paid more than wingers. If he’s not signed by the draft though, “all bets are off” as you can’t rule out an offer sheet or trade.
The big decisions – Patrick Marleau, Nazem Kadri, and assistant coaches Jim Hiller and D.J. Smith
– If Marleau drops to the fourth line, that is too much on the books and they may need to eat half his salary to move him. Marleau has a no-movement clause though. Shouldn’t move Kadri’s friendly contract unless they have a third line replacement in place.
Most likely to be traded – Connor Brown and Nikita Zaitsev.
The unknowns – Garret Sparks, Frederik Gauthier and Justin Holl.
Likely Going – Jake Gardiner, Ron Hainsey, Tyler Ennis, Martin Marincin and Michael Hutchinson.
So long and farewell – Igor Ozhiganov.