Toronto Maple Leafs: Is Kyle Dubas laying the groundwork for a trade?

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas was seen scouting the New York Rangers-Calgary Flames game raising the speculation of a trade being in the works.

It doesn’t take much to stir up trade rumours and on Sunday, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas generated some buzz for attending a game between the New York Rangers and Calgary Flames.

The speculation seemed to take another step when it was announced that not one but two scouts from the Rangers were in attendance to watch the Leafs take on the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Now it isn’t unusual for a general manager or scouts to make the occasional scouting trip even if it’s the Leafs. However, it’s tough to ignore the fact that two Rangers’ scouts were at the Leafs game and a couple of nights later, Dubas is in the Big Apple.

Let’s not forget that Toronto does not play again until Wednesday against the Winnipeg Jets so this does allow Dubas the chance to go out and get his preliminary scouting done on potential deals down the road.

With one of the worst records in the league, the Rangers could be a team the Leafs call ahead of the trade deadline for potential upgrades. Now New York doesn’t have many premier options when it comes to the rental market but Dubas has to do his due diligence especially if the team looks to improve their centre depth or blueline down the road.

Of course, the main focus has been on William Nylander‘s contract situation which hasn’t been progressing in a smooth manner so you can’t rule out the possibility of the Rangers making calls on the Swedish forward. It would be unclear what the Leafs would want in a potential trade for Nylander but you have to think the priority would be a defenceman but that’s only if you’re committed to moving him.

While it’s easy to get excited about Dubas scouting a team like the Rangers, it’s also important to note how early into the season it is for the Leafs to make a trade unless they want to get ahead of the rush.

What do you make of Dubas scouting the Rangers-Flames game? Is it something to get excited about or is this something that will need to be monitored over the next couple of months? Let us know in the comments below.