Dillon Dube to the Maple Leafs? Why This Controversial Move Could Be a Stroke of Genius

0 Diana khan September 15, 2025

The Hot Stove is already firing up, and one of the most intriguing names to watch is Dillon Dube. With the NHL’s recent ruling allowing the five former Canadian World Junior players to return to the league, the rumor mill is churning, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are at the center of it. According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Leafs GM Brad Treliving is expected to make a strong push for the former Calgary Flames forward.

This move makes a ton of sense on multiple levels. Treliving, who drafted and signed Dube in Calgary, knows the player better than anyone. He understands Dube’s potential and what he can bring to a team. Before the off-ice issues that derailed his career, Dube was a consistent 18-goal scorer, a gritty and energetic forward who could play up and down the lineup. That’s exactly what the Maple Leafs need in their top six.

A Perfect Fit for the Leafs?

Dube isn’t a superstar, but he’s a player who can make a significant impact. He’s a relentless forechecker with a surprising amount of skill, and he plays with a chip on his shoulder. That’s the kind of player who thrives in a hockey-mad market like Toronto. The Leafs have been criticized for being too soft and easy to play against. Adding a player like Dube would immediately address that concern. He’s not afraid to get his nose dirty, and his 387 hits in 325 games prove it.

Of course, signing Dube comes with some risk. He hasn’t played in the NHL since the 2023-24 season, and it’s unclear how the off-ice issues will affect his performance. But at 27 years old, he’s still in his prime, and the potential reward far outweighs the risk. The Leafs are in a “win-now” mode, and they need to take some chances to get over the hump. Dube could be the high-risk, high-reward player that puts them over the top.