Although much of the recent coverage of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ ongoing search for a new general manager has focused on former Calgary Flames coach Brad Treleving, former Maple Leaf defenseman Carlo Koliakovo threw a new name in there on Thursday.
Speaking on TSN 1050 radio program “First Up” with Aaron Korolnik, Kulayakovo mentioned Longtime Dallas Stars general manager Jim Neal has been named as a potential candidate to replace Kyle Dubas in Toronto.
Neal, 65, won four Stanley Cups as an executive in the Detroit Red Wings organization before joining the Stars in 2013. Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan played with the Red Wings during Neal’s tenure as assistant general manager.
Here is a transcript of what Kolyakovo had to say about Neil:
Carlo Colayacovo: At the end of the day, we sit here and wait to see what the Maple Leafs’ plans are. I think the name you heard at noon yesterday was Jim Neal of the Dallas Stars. He has a year left on his deal and he has a very close relationship with it [Maple Leafs president] Brendan Shanahan from their Detroit days. I know Jim Neal really well from my time in Detroit and I think he would be a great candidate for this job, so we’ll see how that goes [and] If this is the man they choose to interview when dallas gets dumped. Obviously, now, all talk [Brad] Treliving and we’ll see if something comes of it.
The Maple Leafs parted ways with Dubas late last week after being eliminated by the Florida Panthers in the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs. Dubas has been the club’s general manager since 2018.
As mentioned by Colaiacovo, Nell is currently under contract in Dallas, and it’s unclear if the Stars will allow him to talk to any other clubs about potential new job opportunities.
Nill was recently named B Final Jim Gregory Award for General Manager of the Year. The Stars currently trail the Vegas Golden Knights three games to one in the Western Conference Final.
Kolyakovo appeared in 15 games with the Red Wings split between the regular season and playoffs in 2012-13, which was also Neal’s last year in Detroit. The Red Wings bought out the remainder of Kolayakovo’s two-year deal with the team after his injury-plagued season.