The New York Islanders announced on Tuesday that they will not be renewing the contract of president and general manager Lou Lamoriello, effectively ending his tenure with the team.
Managing partner John Collins is scheduled to head the search process to find the Islanders` subsequent general manager.
In an official statement, the team expressed deep gratitude to Lamoriello for his significant dedication over the preceding seven years, stating that his commitment reflected his distinguished Hall of Fame career.
The 82-year-old Lamoriello managed the Islanders` hockey operations for the last seven years, maintaining a close relationship with the owners. While they didn`t make the playoffs this season, the team reached the postseason five times during his leadership, advancing to the conference finals twice in 2020 and 2021.
Before joining the Islanders in 2018, Lamoriello spent the majority of his career as president and general manager of the New Jersey Devils from 1987 to 2015, a period highlighted by three Stanley Cup championships. He also served as the GM for the Toronto Maple Leafs starting in 2015.
Lamoriello, recognized in the Hall of Fame as a builder, was known for his traditional methods, such as being secretive with information and prohibiting facial hair for players and staff. These practices were unusual in today`s hockey landscape and were seen by some as potentially hindering the progress of a franchise historically known for its success. The team`s last period of dominance, marked by four consecutive Stanley Cup wins, occurred over forty years ago between 1980 and 1983.
Lamoriello`s departure introduces uncertainty throughout the organization, impacting the future roles of other front office personnel and the coaching staff. Notably, Lamoriello had hired Patrick Roy as the new head coach in January 2024, replacing Lane Lambert.
His son, Chris Lamoriello, who started with the Islanders in 2016 as director of player personnel, was appointed as assistant GM in 2018, working alongside his father.
Tristan Blackwood