Hudson Fasching deal not indicative of Lou Lamoriello's return as NY Islanders GM

There's been plenty of speculation going around as to whether or not Lou Lamoriello will return as the NY Islanders general manager. Additionally, there's also been speculation on the status of Lane Lambert and his security behind the bench. Clearly, one hinges on the other, as it's very likely if Lamoriello gets the can then Lambert will follow him out the door. We still haven't heard from the Islanders GM and head coach since the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, and although Hudson Fasching's new extension was announced on clean out day, it may not be indicative of Lamoriello's future as the Islanders GM.

The Fourth Period previously reported that the 2022-23 season was the last season on Lamoriello's contract. After failing to make the playoffs last season, Lamoriello acquired Alexander Romanov and signed Fasching last summer, as well as acquired Bo Horvat at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline in an effort to get his team back to the postseason. His efforts were successful, but it took a full 82 games for the Islanders to claim a spot, and there were plenty of ups and downs along the way, including the Islanders' inability to score goals both at even strength and on the man advantage, an issue that's haunted them for a while now.

Well, TFP is also reporting that Fasching's deal that he signed with the Islanders was inked a while ago:

"The Islanders signed forward Hudson Fasching to a two-year contract extension last week, which may suggest Lamoriello’s job is secure. However, a deal for Fasching was agreed upon prior to the playoffs, TFP has learned."

So it appears Fasching's contract was in the drawer for a little while now while Lamoriello still had the liberty to control the Islanders' future. However, now that the season is over and there's been radio silence from both the GM and head coach, the speculation is swirling as the Islanders season has come to an end. The longer the silence goes, the more the speculation will seemingly grow.