Don’t Ask Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello For More Ice Time

Lou Lamoriello is about as intimidating as it gets for NHL figures. The current New York Islanders GM has been in the NHL since 1987, has three Stanley Cups to his name, and does things his own way.

For example, the shaving rule. Is it an outdated and probably silly practice? Yes, but that’s just Lou being Lou, and when you have the amount of success at the NHL level that he has you get that luxury.

Like right now, the NHL doesn’t know half the signings the Islanders made because he hasn’t submitted them to the league just yet.

Anyway, Ken Daneyko went on the Spittin’ Chicklets podcast to tell some stories, and this Lou story during his time with the Devils was a real good one.

*Some NSFW language*

Daneyko, who wasn’t necessarily known as a point producer, was looking for some more playing time on the power play. He had some success in limited time but going to Lou to ask for the change probably wasn’t a wise decision.

Daneyko then goes into how Lou Lamoriello builds a team, which seems applicable to today’s roster. Lou compared his team to an orchestra and that everyone has their role and has to play it well.

Think about today’s roster. Outside of Mat Barzal is there a “star”? Not really, but everyone on the team has a purpose and plays their role well.

Lou didn’t need Ken Daneyko to be a power play guy. That wasn’t his job, he was someone who killed penalties and played a physical game. That would be like if Scott Mayfield wanted to become a power play guy and puck carrier.

Want your voice heard? Join the Eyes On Isles team!

Write for us!

While Lamoriello was tough on Daneyko, he told him if he mastered his role, he could play 15 years in the league. Go figure, he played 20 years, won three cups, and a Masterton Trophy. Lou was right again, and he’s still using that logic all these years later with New York.