Islanders: Lou Lamoriello Would Be Perfect Team USA Replacement GM

The NHL world watched as the Chicago Blackhawks read their statement on the investigation into Brad Aldrich. As a part of their response to the investigation, Stan Bowman stepped down as the General Manager of the team.

Greg Wyshynski of ESPN brought up that Bowman is the GM of the US men’s national team for the 2022 Olympics. USA Hockey has yet to release a statement but more than likely, Bowman will be out of a gig there as well.

With the 2022 Olympics approaching quickly, I’d like to propose New York Islanders General Manager, Lou Lamoriello as the new GM of USA Hockey. Everything Lou touches turns to gold (pun intended). From his time with the New Jersey Devils through his time with the Islanders today this is true.

Why New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello Is Perfect For The Job

Lamoriello got his start in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils in 1987. He remained with the team for 28 years and over that span, he won three Stanley Cup Championships, appeared in two more, and his team only missed the playoffs five times over his time there.

Lamoriello spent a short time with Toronto, and sure we know most of them to prefer Kyle Dubas, but Lou did have success there as well too. Toronto made the playoffs just once in the previous ten years to Lamoreillo’s arrival and in the final two years of Lamoriello’s time there he was able to reach the playoffs.

Then there’s the Islanders. He took over a team that was desperate, a team that lost their franchise star, and he made them a contender. They’ve made the playoffs in his first three years with the club and reached the Conference Final in the past two seasons. In year four, many believe this team has legit Stanley Cup contender written all over them. Plus, he won back-to-back GM of the Year awards with the Islanders for his work over the past two seasons.

Also, this is a role that Lamoriello has served in before. He was the Team USA GM in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey (Team US won Gold there) and for the 1998 Nagano Olympics.

Only twice in their history, 1960 and 1980, has the US won gold at the Olympics. The last time they placed was in 2010 when they won Silver. Could Lou be the missing piece? He’s proven himself that in his current job and a few times before that in his career. I say give it a go.

The Resume

• 3-time Stanley Cup winner
• 5-time Conference Champion
• 2-time GM of the Year
• 27 playoff appearances in 34 years as an NHL GM
• US Hockey Hall of Fame