The Toronto Maple Leafs are contemplating the potential signing of forward Dillon Dube, a move that could stir significant controversy. Analyst Darren Dreger mentioned on a recent radio show that he would not be surprised if Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving pursued Dube, who he believes could fill a top-six role on the team.

Dube, a former Calgary Flame, is currently without a team following an investigation into a 2018 incident in London, Ontario, which led to police charges of sexual assault. Along with Dube, four other former Canadian world junior players were involved in the case. This summer, a judge found all five not guilty, stating that the evidence from the anonymous female complainant was neither "credible nor reliable."

Despite the acquittal, all five players remain under NHL suspension until at least December 1. Goaltender Carter Hart is seen as the most likely candidate to return to play first. Dreger noted that Treliving's previous connection with Dube could make him a viable option for the Leafs.

At 27 years old, Dube has experience playing in a bottom-six role, which the Leafs are looking to fill. He had two consecutive seasons with 18 goals while playing under Treliving in Calgary and was on a three-year contract worth $6.9 million. However, after the revelations surrounding the London incident, Dube left the Flames and spent the 2024-25 season playing in the KHL with Minsk Dynamo.

The decision to sign Dube will hinge on how the Maple Leafs organization balances his on-ice contributions against the potential distractions his signing could create. While previous administrations have given second chances to players with minor legal issues, Dube's situation is more complex due to its notoriety.

Treliving could opt to let other general managers handle the situation surrounding Dube and instead focus on improving the team's forward lineup through existing players or trades. However, the judge's ruling may prompt the Leafs to consider giving Dube a tryout, despite the lingering concerns about his past. Dube, a second-round draft pick in 2016 and a Memorial Cup winner with the WHL's Kelowna Rockets, faces an uphill battle to re-establish himself in the NHL after a year and a half away from the league.