Lou Lamoriello hanging around the NY Islanders would be a major mistake

This New York Islanders GM search was supposed to be different. We were told the Islanders would cast a wide net, bring in a variety of candidates, and run a proper process. You know, like a modern NHL team. Multiple interviews. Careful evaluation. A clean break and a fresh direction.

Instead? We’ve got what feels dysfunctional.

On Thursday, Arthur Staple of The Athletic reported that Lou Lamoriello might stay around as an advisor to the new GM and that Lou's presence could open the door to a first-time GM to take over the spot he held for seven seasons. Wait, what? Seriously? That’s the plan now?

By all accounts, Lamoriello has remained around the team, and his contract expires on June 30. Most of us have already thanked him for his contributions to the organization and are ready to move forward. But instead of stepping aside gracefully, it now looks like the Isles are trying to thread some impossible needle - hire a “new” GM while keeping the old boss lurking over their shoulder.

That’s not just messy, it’s counterproductive.

Let’s be honest: bringing in a first-time GM like Tampa Bay Assistant GM Mathieu Darche and keeping Lou in the building is a recipe for confusion. Who’s really in charge? How much influence does Lou still have? How can any new hire build their own identity when a Hall of Famer is constantly second-guessing them with final-word energy?

How could that possibly end well?

The longer this process drags out, the more it feels like the Isles didn’t have a Plan A. Or Plan B. Or even a coherent Plan C. It feels as if they are scrambling now, trying to make the optics work, and the fanbase is left once again wondering what exactly this franchise is doing.

We wanted a real search. We wanted a new direction. What we’re getting, so far, is more of the same, with a side of chaos. And if Lou’s still calling any of the shots from the shadows come July 1? Don’t let them tell you it’s a “fresh start.” It’s just lipstick on the same tired playbook.