There is no question that New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello is one of the savviest executives in NHL history. His tenure with the New Jersey Devils led to a tremendous turnaround culminating in numerous Stanley Cup championships.
Following his departure from New Jersey, Lamoriello’s short-lived stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs sparked one of the most ambitious rebuilds in league history.
However, his unceremonious exit from Toronto was a gain for the New York Islanders. Lou Lamoriello’s arrival ushered in a new era of old-school hockey that led the Isles to back-to-back Conference Finals appearances.
Since then, the Isles have been unable to replicate that sort of success. Part of it is due to the restrictions of the salary cap era. Others are due to mistakes in player management and questionable decisions. So, let’s take a look at the plus and minus sides of Lou Lamoriello as the New York Islanders GM.