Lou Lamoriello's job performance with the NY Islanders is highly contentious

3. Trade deadline

Lastly comes the trade deadline, where the Islanders decided to stand pat being just a few points out of a playoff spot in early March. They were in the midst of a six-game winning streak which brought them back into the Eastern Conference wild card conversation. The argument could be made this was the best chance to rebuild the roster since very few transactions were made at this year's trade deadline. However, the Isles likely miss the playoffs if major pieces were moved. For standing pat and giving Roy a chance to implement a system with this roster through April, Lamoriello deserves a B.

Some fans are reading this article thinking, "Lamoriello deserves credit for making the playoffs five times in six seasons". Others are reading this and thinking, "Based on the merits and the farm system, why should Lou be back?" Both sides are understandable. Lamoriello deserves credit for firing Lambert when he did while also sticking with this roster long enough to play the Carolina Hurricanes in round one.

Overall, Lamoriello does not deserve an A or even a B considering this roster showed many flaws throughout the season. He does not deserve an F either since the team fought back and made the playoffs after Roy took over. The grade given is also not based on decisions made in prior years, even though they have affected the team's cap situation and farm system. This means Lamoriello's job performance in 2023-24 deservingly falls somewhere in the middle.

Final Grade: C