Even with another disappointing first round loss, Dubas will likely get at least another crack to do his analytical manoeuvres in trying to improve the team. The consensus seem to be that defence and the grit department will need huge upgrades, and the improvements will have to come in three ways :
1) Free Agency - there are Pietrangelo and Krug available, either will immediately improve the d, but there’s no room in cap unless he trades either Marner or Nylander, or a combination of Johnsso/Kapanen/Kerfoot;
2) Trades : the aforementioned are prime candidates again but with Dubas’s track records as Leafs GM, I’m afraid he’ll screw up again like he did with the Marleau and Kadri deals;
3) Internal Improvements: Dermott and Sandin offer hopes, but I don’t see anyone else has any realistic hopes of becoming a top four d man. We’ve seen the best of Holl and I don’t think he is much better than a 5th or 6th guy on the depth chart.