The changes keep coming to NHL front offices. As expected, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello, 75, is stepping aside into an advisory role in the organization.
Maple Leafs hockey czar Brendan Shanahan made than transition official with his announcement Monday.
“Three years ago, Lou and I agreed on a contract that would see him serve as general manager of the Maple Leafs for three years and then transition to senior adviser for the following four years,” Shanahan said in a statement. “This morning, I informed Lou that I was not going to deviate from that course. I will now focus all of my attention towards making a decision regarding our next general manager.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lou for his tireless work over the last three years as general manager. His leadership in helping establish a cultural foundation, as well as his invaluable mentorship to everyone in this organization, has been instrumental in our development.”
LAMORIELLO TO STICK AROUND
Lamoriello subsequently told reporters in a conference call that he expected to remain with the Leafs rather than seek a bigger role in another organization.
“First of all, my responsibility is right here with the Toronto Maple Leafs,” Lamoriello said. “I made an agreement and a decision three years ago and it’s my intent to honor that. There are no other thoughts on my mind at this time.”
As for the general manager’s post, Shanahan told reporters that he doesn’t have a timetable to make that call. He has two strong internal candidates in former NHL standout Mark Hunter and analytics guru Kyle Dubas.
Hunter and Dubas will share the GM duties while Shanahan mulls his options.
HUNTER AND DUBAS IN DEMAND ELSEWHERE
Both Hunter and Dubas would be candidates for jobs elsewhere if Shanahan doesn’t promote them.
Earlier in this offseason, the Minnesota Wild fired general manager Chuck Fletcher and Brian Burke stepped down as hockey president of the Calgary Flames after general manager Brad Treliving fired coach Glen Gulutzan.
Paul Fenton, assistant GM of the Nashville Predators, is among the leading candidates to replace Fletcher in Minnesota.
The Carolina Hurricanes have been looking for a general manager since reassigning Ron Francis to a more nebulous position and the New York Islanders may finally hire a president of hockey operations.
There was some thought that Lamoriello would be interested in that role, since his son works for the organization. But that does not appear to be the case.
