LEAF GM OPTIONS RUN DEEP

Hunter’s experience already in house

Kyle Dubas is the favourite to take over as Leafs GM, but if not . . . here are some other options: MARK HUNTER Regarded as one of the top scouts and talent evaluators in the sport, the 55-year-old Hunter is also a Leaf assistant GM and has one of the most impressive lists of hockey credentials of any potential candidate out there. Hunter played 12 NHL seasons for five teams before coaching stints in the OHL and AHL, and is the reason the Leafs drafted Mitch Marner over Noah Hanifin. CHUCK FLETCHER The son of current Leafs senior adviser Cliff Fletcher just parted ways with the Wild after nine years as GM. His defining moment came in 2012, when he signed Zach Parise and Ryan Suter for a combined $196 million U.S. He won’t be unemployed too long.

PAUL FENTON

He’s being mentioned as the prime target in the Wild’s GM search. The longtime Nashville assistant GM, Fenton may be the premier candidate with no previous NHL GM experience. Fenton also served as Nashville’s director of player personel for eight seasons.

TOM FITZGERALD

The former member of the Penguins’ PR staff, where he was considered one of the very best media relations people in the NHL, is also on the Wild’s radar. An assistant GM with the Devils, he climbed the executive ladder after playing four seasons in the NHL. He has served as director of player personnel for the Stanley Cup champion Penguins.

MIKE FUTA

Futa has spent the last 11 years in the Kings organization, and was promoted to assistant GM last April. Prior to that, he served as VP of hockey operations and director of player personnel. The Leafs have reportedly spoken to Futa in the past about their GM position, and he was mentioned in the Sabres’ search.

ALSO OUT THERE: Bill Guerin, Bill Zito, Kelly McCrimmon, Dean Lombardi