Rick Dudley is expected to become the next assistant general manager of the Montreal Canadiens. However, the move from Toronto to Montreal is complicated.
Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke and newly appointed Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin are in discussions over Dudley's jump from one team to the other.
Dudley, a member of Toronto's management team, has an "out" in his contract with the Leafs, but has done extensive work for Toronto on the upcoming NHL Draft and sources say Burke would prefer Dudley not join the Canadiens until after the Draft.
Compounding the issue is the fact Toronto and Montreal both have top five picks (Canadiens at third overall, Leafs fifth), an obvious concern for the Maple Leafs, who would rather not share Dudley's expertise with the rival Habs.
The NHL no longer allows teams to seek compensation when coaches or executives are lured to other teams. However, Burke and other concerned general managers will push for restrictive procedures to be reintroduced in the near future.
