Lou Lamoriello and the Islanders are having discussions regarding a possible position within the organization, according to Sportsnet’s John Shannon. That specific report surfaced late Friday night, but speculation on Lamoriello’s possible departure has increased gradually ever since Leafs president Brendan Shanahan moved Lamoriello into a special advisor role two weeks ago — essentially phasing him out of the team’s future plans.
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Shannon isn’t the only NHL insider to hear rumblings about Lamoriello joining the Isles. Darren Dreger also believes that talks between the two sides are increasingly active.
“It’s funny. I just checked on that earlier (Thursday)," Dreger said on TSN 1040 . “They’re trying to keep it as hush-hush as possible, but the sense is out there – from the sources I’m talking to anyway – that there is dialogue that’s happening between Lou Lamoriello and the New York Islanders.”
After being removed from the general manager’s position, one that he held since 2015, Lamoriello doesn’t have any intention of staying with the Maple Leafs, according to The Athletic . Instead, Lamoriello’s move to the Islanders is considered a matter of when, not if, per the report. Lamoriello’s son, Chris, currently serves as the Islanders’ assistant general manager.
There are no indications on what role Lamoriello would take if he were to join the Islanders, but with John Tavares set to hit free agency in July, it might be helpful to have Lamoriello’s presence, on staff.
