New York Islanders Could See Mark Hunter Hired (Report)

As the overhaul of the New York Islanders continues, GM Lou Lamoriello might be bringing in his former colleague from the Toronto Maple Leafs into the fold.

According to The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, the New York Islanders could be adding Mark Hunter to the team’s front office. In what capacity remains unclear, but there’s no question that bringing in Hunter is yet another quality hire by Lou.

Mark Hunter has been out of a job since May 22nd, 2018. Hunter left his post with the Leafs after they hired Kyle Dubas to be the teams next GM rather than Hunter.

As Assistant General Manager under Lou with the Maple Leafs, Hunter was primarily responsible for scouting. But its clear that by wanting the Maple Leafs GM job that he wants more. And that fits for the Islanders.

Bringing In The Next Guy

There’s no question that Lou Lamoriello is the GM of the New York Islanders for the moment.

But it seemed odd that in transitioning from Garth Snow to Lou Lamoriello that the consolidation of power that existed with the New York Islanders continued to exist. They went from a President and GM to a President and GM.

Obviously, there’s a large gap in terms of the quality that each individual brings. Garth and his single playoff series victory in 12 years and Lou Lamoriello with his three Stanley Cup rings. If the Islanders were to continue consolidating power in one person it was a good step to place it with Lou rather than Garth.

But ever since Scott Malkin and John Ledecky were made majority owners we’ve been told they’ve been looking for a President of Hockey Operations to sit above the GM’s seat. We know they searched all over the hockey world for one.

With that in mind, it also hard to imagine that Mark Hunter would return to the NHL to continue being a scout. Even if it’s Director of Pro Scouting. A position currently held by Ken Morrow.

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Hunter wants to be a General Manager. That much is clear. In bringing aboard Hunter, Lou could be bringing in his eventual replacement and disperse power between the President and GM as the Owners intended in doing for some time.