Toronto Maple Leafs: 10 Storylines Heading Into the Draft and Offseason

9. Will the Team Hire a GM?

Aug 8, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers assistant general manager Jeff Gorton speaks at a press conference at Yankee Stadium. Two outdoor regular-season NHL games will be played at Yankee Stadium during the 2013-14 season as part of the 2014 Stadium Series. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

We know the Leafs are heading into the draft without a formal GM, but it will be Mark Hunter, Kyle Dubas and Shanahan making the decisions. One of the reasons why is, because the team’s focus has been on the draft and potential candidates are doing the same thing with their respective teams. Los Angeles GM Dean Lombardi has said that assistant Mike Futa is not going anywhere, mainly because he has been too preoccupied with his own job. Another potential candidate Jeff Gorton could take over as GM of the Rangers, if Glen Sather decides to vacate that position and remain as team president.

May 21, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Maple Leafs new head coach Mike Babcock listens as club president Brendan Shanahan gestures during comments to the media at a media conference to announce Babcock signing with the club at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Former Leafs assistant GM Bill Watters believes the Leafs could go with Hunter as GM, with Babcock having a role in player personnel. I do think that the Leafs will get a GM who has either worked as an assistant in the league or is unemployed at the moment, like George McPhee. The Leafs would rather have Hunter do more scouting work and Dubas focus on player development with the Marlies. It all depends on who is available for the Leafs and whether they can find someone that can work within their management structure.