NY Islanders: Possible Outcomes for GM Lou Lamoriello and Head Coach Lane Lambert

Lamoriello stays; Lambert is fired

This means the situation is currently playing out as it did the previous off-season.

Lamoriello would presumably be secure enough in his position to dismiss a head coach for the second consecutive season. This time, firing the coach he hand-picked after making the bold and unpopular move of relieving Barry Trotz of his duties at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season.

Lamoriello believes Lambert performed admirably in his first season behind the bench, but the team's inconsistent effort level was worrying, while their only modest improvement offensively during the season was concerning. Lambert is learning on the job, but Lamoriello determined that the team could not wait for Lambert to mature further into the head coaching position.

It would also demonstrate that the unwavering support co-owner Jon Ledecky has given Lamoriello publicly over the last two seasons remains and that ownership believes that their organization is better off in the trusted hands of Lamoriello than an unknown alternative. The decision would signal that the 80-year-old President of Hockey Operations and General Manager will remain on the job until he no longer wants it, as ownership permits him to hire his third coach in six seasons.