The Toronto Maple Leafs are linked to making an intriguing signing.
NHL insider Darren Dreger of TSN reported that the Maple Leafs are linked to Dillon Dube. Dube, of course, was one of the five players who were recently acquitted of the sexual assault charges and are eligible to play in the NHL come Dec. 1.
However, Maple Leafs insider Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun doesn’t think it is likely Toronto will sign Dube, despite the report.
“The possible signing of Dube will come down to how much the Leaf organization as a whole weighs Dube’s on-ice value versus the certain distractions he would cause, not just in Toronto but in other media centres. Then again, Dube might avoid scrutiny in Canada if he were to sign with an American team,” Hornby wrote. “Previous Leaf administrations have offered second chances before to players caught up in minor-legal issues.
“But nothing to the extent of Dube’s notoriety. It would be much easier for Treliving to let all five be some other GM’s concern and make any upgrades to his forward group from the existing depth chart or trade with another team,” Hornby added. But while the cloud lingers over the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Dube, a second-round draft choice in 2016 and Memorial Cup winner with the WHL Kelowna Rockets, the judge’s verdict might be enough to make the Leafs take the risk and grant Dube a tryout. As for disloding a top-six forward after a year and half away from the NHL, let’s not get carried away.”
As Hornby notes, Dube isn’t a top-six forward, and the Maple Leafs have plenty of bottom-six forwards. So, the NHL insider doubts Toronto will sign Dube, despite Dreger’s report.
Maple Leafs GM has a Connection to Dube
Part of the reason why Dreger linked Dube to the Maple Leafs is because of his familiarity with general manager Brad Treliving.
Treliving was the GM for the Calgary Flames when he drafted Dube and signed him to an extension. That is a big reason why Dreger expects the Maple Leafs to be interested in the forward.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Treliving and the Leafs put their hat in the ring,” Dreger said on First Up.
Dube is a bottom-six forward who adds some speed and physicality to the lineup. But, he doesn’t score that much, which is why it’s unlikely Toronto would pursue him for a top-six role.
Before taking his leave of absence, Dube had 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in 43 games. His career high was 18 goals and 27 assists for 45 points.
Toronto Not Ruling Out More Moves
The Maple Leafs have an excess of forwards and could look to trade someone soon.
The likes of Nick Robertson, Calle Jarnkrok, and David Kampf could all be moved. But, Toronto could also add another forward, as Treliving isn’t ruling out the team making a move before the season starts.
“We’re always looking. I don’t think you ever stop. Whether it happens or not, we’ll see. We’ve got a lot of bodies right now, so we’ll see. More than likely, unless something changes. We’ll go with what we’ve got and see where it all sorts itself out,” Treliving said.
Toronto opens its 2025-26 NHL season on Oct. 8 at home against the Montreal Canadiens.
Insider Seemingly Shuts Down Latest Maple Leafs Rumor