It’s not often that Kyle Dubas publicly second-guesses one of his own moves. Known for his analytical, process-driven approach, the former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager has stood by most of his decisions.
But when asked about his biggest trade regret, the answer wasn’t the frequently debated deal involving Nazem Kadri, it was another move that still bothers him years later.
One Move Still Haunts Ex-Leafs GM Kyle Dubas
During an appearance on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, Dubas reflected on the trade he wishes he could undo. His answer centered on forward Mason Marchment, whom Toronto dealt to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Denis Malgin in 2020.
Dubas detailed how deeply involved he had been in Marchment’s development. The winger signed a minor-league deal after his overage junior season and spent time in the ECHL with Orlando before climbing the ladder to the AHL. He became a key piece of the Toronto Marlies squad that captured the Calder Cup in 2018, eventually earning his NHL debut with Toronto.
At the time of the trade, Dubas explained, the Leafs were searching for more skill in their lineup. “He was 24 or 25 at the time, and we moved him to Florida. We needed skill at that point. We had some guys out of the lineup, and it was a younger skill guy coming in.”
The swap, however, didn’t produce the desired results. Malgin played only a handful of games for the Leafs before moving on, while Marchment developed into the exact type of player Toronto needed.
“Every time I see Mason play, no matter where he is, I just kick myself, because we really needed that style of player throughout: the competitiveness, the ability to score, to get under people’s skin, the physicality, and the ability to get to the net. I always kick myself about that one,” Dubas said.
Dubas has since moved on to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he has remained aggressive in reshaping the roster. He made 19 trades in 2025 alone, targeting younger players and leveraging salary-cap flexibility to accumulate assets.
One notable deal sent Tristan Jarry to the Edmonton Oilers for Stuart Skinner, Brett Kulak, and draft picks, a move that helped stabilize Pittsburgh’s crease. He also acquired Egor Chinakhov, who quickly found chemistry alongside Evgeni Malkin.
The Penguins’ aggressive retool paid off. They finished the 2025–26 regular season with 98 points, securing second place in the Metropolitan Division and setting up a first-round showdown with the Philadelphia Flyers, the first postseason “Battle of Pennsylvania” since 2018.
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Even with his recent success, Dubas’ reflection on the Marchment deal highlights how certain decisions linger.
