If Rick Dudley wants to leave the Toronto Maple Leafs to join the Montreal Canadiens, the Maple Leafs will not stand in his way.

TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie has learned that if Dudley takes a position with Montreal, and it could happen by the end of the month, it would be conditional on him not being able to work on the 2012 NHL Entry Draft for the Canadiens.

Dudley is currently the director of player personnel for the Maple Leafs. He has an “out” clause in his contract that allows him to leave his post in Toronto.

It was reported last week that Dudley is expected to take a position as assistant General Manager with the Canadiens. But with Montreal selecting third overall and Toronto fifth in the June 22-23 draft, the Leafs preference is that Dudley not switch camps armed with knowledge of Toronto’s draft plans.

Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke and Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin have had discussions over a possible move by Dudley.


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