from Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun,

... But after a season where the Leafs finished first in the North Division, produced two all-stars in Matthews and Marner and made improvements in defensive play, Dubas isn’t bringing a sledgehammer to the main roster, at least to those under contract. Also, Jason Spezza, Wayne Simmonds and Travis Dermott have been re-signed and Dubas made the Jared McCann trade with Pittsburgh to keep Alexander Kerfoot and defenceman Justin Holl safe from the Seattle expansion draft.

“I understand some may look at it and say ‘this group hasn’t gotten it done’ and ‘why aren’t there significant changes?’,” Dubas said.

“But for better or worse, I believe in this group, believe they’re going to get it done and believe that they’re going to win. I believe in them as players, I believe in them as people. I understand that comes with a certain doubt because of the fact we have not broken through in the playoffs, but it’s my belief they will. I know that decision lies on me and what the risk is for me.

“We’re going ahead that way, so I’m comfortable with it. I believe we’re going to see the best version of this group next season that we’ve seen yet and I’m willing to bet everything on that.”

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