It started off as speculation but according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, former Toronto Maple Leafs/New Jersey Devils GM, Lou Lamoriello, coming to the New York Islanders is a “very serious” possibility.
It started as an idea that just made sense. The New York Islanders are reportedly looking for a change to their front office while time the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that their general manager (GM) for the last three years, the legendary Lou Lamoriello, will not return as GM but has the option to become an advisor for the team.
Around the league, things picked up. No longer was it speculation from fans but insiders like TSN’s Bob McKenzie were reporting that they heard the former Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils‘ GM has been linked to the Isles. On Friday, John Shannon of HockeyCentral on Sportsnet reported that it was no longer speculation; the Isles and Lamoriello are talking about a front office position.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was on NHL Network on Monday afternoon and he provided some more insight on the situation as transcribed by Chris Nichols.
“I believe there are discussions going on and I do believe it’s a very, very serious possibility that Lou Lamoriello is going to end up with the New York Islanders. What we don’t know at this time is how it’s all going to work. Garth Snow is the current GM, Doug Weight is the current head coach, and they are going to Denmark for the rest of the world hockey championships. So I don’t know how it’s all going to work out. But I do believe there is an excellent chance that Lou Lamoriello is going to go to the New York Islanders.”
In addition, Friedman speculates that Mark Hunter would maybe go to the Islanders with Lamoriello. Hunter is an Assistant GM for the Maple Leafs and interviewed for the GM vacancy as did fellow Assistant GM Kyle Dubas. Dubas got the promotion and that has Friedman wondering if Hunter will move on from Toronto.
“I think one of the questions we’re all wondering here in Toronto is does that mean that (Mark) Hunter is going to go with him. (Mark) Hunter is still the assistant general manager. He was on the same level as Kyle Dubas before. They both interviewed for the GM position. Dubas has been promoted. We’re kind of expecting that Hunter will want to move on too. It wouldn’t hurt the Islanders at all if (Mark) Hunter went with Lamoriello to go be part of it. But at this point in time it’s more speculation than truth. I do believe that Lamoriello will be going though.”
You can watch the full segment here, with the Lamoriello/Isles talk starting at around the two-minute mark:
