Toronto Maple Leafs manager Richard Dudley linked to Montreal Canadiens move-NHL news
Toronto Maple Leafs’ front office manager, Richard Clarence Dudley, has been linked to a possible move to Montreal Canadiens despite playing down reports that he has not received any offer from Canadiens.
Dudley, in spite of this denial, is said to be aware of the team’s approach to Leafs for permission to interview him.
Although some of the reports have conceded the issue to be in its very initial phase of development and surrounded by big ifs and buts, his departure will certainly deprive Leafs of a very skilful and professional manager.
He is reported to be sought after by Canadiens for an assistant general manager role, which suits to his best abilities and professional experience he has on his resume.
A section of media has quoted an anonymous general manager speaking highly of Dudley’s abilities, stating that his move elsewhere will be a blow for Leafs.
The team has already lost a number of talented officials to other sides in the league.
The report quoted the GM saying:
“Those other guys all have backgrounds from working with teams and in the league front office, but (Dudley) is the only guy in that group that comes from a pure scouting background.”
Some commentators believe that the planned move can possibly take a while as Canadiens will have to work out a detailed contract for the official.
Irrespective to the deal matters, Dudley’s possible move is reported to be a strong desire of the Canadiens new general manager, Marc Bergevin. Both officials have worked together in the Chicago Blackhawks.
The final call is expected to be made following approval of time and date for his interview by Leafs. There is no information if the team has processed Canadiens’ request.
If the prospective Canadiens-Dudley deal talk becomes a reality it will be a rather swift move of the manager. He has spent only a season with Leafs, and has had a great role in the development of it in certain areas.
Since the official has endorsements from many former managers and other front office officials, moving within the league and into different roles is not an issue for him.
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