New York Islanders Should Hire Dean Lombardi As GM

The New York Islanders need a seasoned hand to take over the hockey operations. This organization has a lot of player assets both on the main roster and in the pipeline. The Islanders need to hire Dean Lombardi.

The New York Islanders fan base is calling for Garth Snow’s head and they are on the mark. With Garth Snow occupying the GM chair for the better part of 12 years now, it’s time for a change on Long Island.

But if Garth is going to be replaced ownership must hire a proven winner to sit in the General Manager’s chair. That person is Dean Lombardi.

Lombardi’s Resume

Lombardi became the Los Angeles Kings GM in the Spring of 2006, just a few months before Garth Snow was hired as Isles GM. Under his stewardship, the Kings hoisted two Stanley Cups.

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While Lombardi wasn’t perfect, he was able to build the Kings organization through all facets – the draft, trades, and free agency. He also knew what kind of coach to hire.

At the end of last season, after the Kings failed to make the playoffs, ownership decided to go in another direction and Lombardi was let go. He is currently assisting in the Flyers front office.

Lombardi to Long Island

The ex-general manager should be re-charged after stepping away from being an NHL GM for a year. He has shown he knows how to build a multiple Cup winner.

The Islanders do have a lot of talent in the organization as well as prime future draft picks this upcoming June. The Islanders GM job has a lot of positives including ample salary cap space to work with.

Hiring Lombardi would probably mean the end of Doug Weight’s tenure. That isn’t entirely on Weight’s performance this season, (it hasn’t been a good season for the Isles coach) however if ownership hires a new GM they have to let him bring in his own guy as the coach.

No doubt, Lombardi will get attention from other team’s after the regular season to run their hockey team’s.

Tavares Factor

As loyal as John Tavares is to Garth, logic would dictate that he would recognize ownership hired someone who knows how to build a Stanley Cup team.

Tavares’s ultimate goal is to win the Cup and once he puts aside his personal feelings for Garth he would realize this would be a good thing for the organization.

This could actually increase the Isles chances of resigning the captain.

Next: Isles Turn Down Deal for Nelson

Over the year’s Garth has made a lot of good moves. However, he has not been able to put all the pieces together to be a true contender let alone a Cup winner. The record shows Lombardi has already accomplished this and that’s why he is the right man for the job.