Former Toronto Maple Leafs and current Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas has been named as director of player personnel for Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, Hockey Canada confirmed Tuesday.
Dubas previously served as Canada’s general manager during the 2024 IIHF World Championships, where Canada finished fourth. Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois was also named as Canada’s assistant general manager. Doug Armstrong, president of hockey operations and general manager for the St. Louis Blues is Canada’s general manager, while Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney and Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill will work in tandem alongside Dubas.
“Julien and Kyle are accomplished NHL general managers, and I am excited to welcome them to our management group for both the 4 Nations Face-Off and Olympics, as I believe they will be strong assets to a well-rounded management team,” Armstrong said in a statement. “Both Julien and Kyle have enjoyed long and successful careers, and we believe their experience and knowledge of NHL players will be a great addition to our staff as we continue to evaluate Canadian players and build rosters for international competition.”
We’re still several months away from the tournament commencing but Canada’s management group is coming into shape and it’ll be compelling to see how it affects roster decisions, with several talented players vying for spots. Dubas is evidently lauded by Hockey Canada for his work with the Maple Leafs and Penguins and it’s an opportunity for him to learn from some of the most successful executives in the NHL.
“Jim and I are thrilled to have Julien and Kyle join our management group for the 4 Nations Face-Off, and to work alongside them as we prepare for the Olympics,” Sweeney said. “Both are successful NHL general managers that bring a wealth of knowledge, many years of experience at the professional level and great leadership skills that will be beneficial to our coaches, support staff and players.”
Canada will open its tournament against Sweden on February 12, 2025. The Leafs Nation will have you posted with thorough coverage leading up to the tournament and comprehensive coverage during the event.