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Kyle Dubas Allegedly Helps Maple Leafs Draft Hometown Player, Sparking Controversy in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas has sparked controversy after allegedly helping the Toronto Maple Leafs, his former team, select a hometown player in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
The Penguins hired Kyle Dubas as their general manager in 2023 after he was let go by the Toronto Maple Leafs following a reported power struggle between him and now-former team president Brendan Shanahan.
But did Dubas just help out his former team? Per a new report, the Penguins were reportedly going to select forward Tyler Hopkins in the 3rd round until he got a call from the player's agent.
The Pittsburgh Penguins were going to select Tyler Hopkins with the 85th pick in the draft. When Kyle Dubas called Hopkins' agent to tell him, the agent let Dubas know that Toronto wants to draft him at 86.
Hopkins grew up in the GTA as a huge Leafs fan, the possibility of being drafted by his hometown team is something he dreamed of his entire life. Hearing this, Dubas gave him his wish and decided to trade 85 to Vegas so that Hopkins would fall to Toronto at 86. Dream come true.
The Leafs then used the 86th pick on Hopkins, who grew up a Maple Leafs fan.
Hopkins had 51 points (20G, 31A) in 67 games for the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs this year. His scouting report via Elite Prospects reads as follows:
A low and stable skating posture, combined with physical abilities, enables Hopkins to win battles for possession. He cuts through hands, seals the puck away, and escapes with it. These tools also form the foundation of Hopkins' offensive game. Constantly in movement, he distributes the puck effectively, hitting teammates as they get open across the ice, sometimes with deception. And he takes his opportunities to fire on the net.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 29 | 137 ANSWERS Kyle Dubas Allegedly Helps Maple Leafs Draft Hometown Player, Sparking Controversy in Pittsburgh Did Kyle Dubas just blatantly help out the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 90 | 65.7 % |
| No | 47 | 34.3 % |
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