REPORT: Toronto Maple Leafs and Kyle Dubas starting to worry - Might be getting desperate for a TRADE!

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Ryan
January 30, 2023 (9:57 PM)

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You could argue that no team has more pressure on them this season than the Toronto Maple Leafs who have not won a playoff series since 2004. You could also argue that no General Manager is under more pressure this season than Kyle Dubas who currently has no contract for next season, and no playoff success on his resume as a General Manager.

Dubas made a bold move this offseason by letting Jack Campbell walk and bringing in Matt Murray who had a failed stint in Ottawa, and Ilya Samsonov who was a castaway by the Washington Capitals.

Both goaltenders started off the season very well, and at one point both goaltenders had a .930+ save percentage, but as of late, they've begun to slide.

Currently Samsonov has a 17-5-2 record, with a .917 save percentage and 2.31 GAA, while Murray is 11-5-2 with a .911 save percentage and 2.73 GAA.

Matt Murray was brought in to be the starting goaltender, but as he has in the past, he has struggled to remain healthy this season. Luckily Samsonov has been able to carry the weight in his absence, but it sounds like management is starting to worry with the playoffs rapidly approaching.

Samsonov is more than capable, atleast showing so this season, that he can be the starting goalie when called upon, but when it comes to the playoffs, they will want to be comfortable with their depth. As we saw last season, multiple teams were forced to use their 3rd string goaltender in the playoffs, and well, with the health of Murray and even Samsonov has missed some time this season, the Maple Leafs are not deep when it comes to goaltenders.

With the health of Murray always going to be in question, the Maple Leafs might be looking to trade for a new goaltender to provide some depth in net as they cannot rely on Murray to be ready.

This will be difficult though as the Maple Leafs lack cap space and with the flat cap continuing, they still haven't even been able to replace Jake Muzzin after his injury which could be career ending.