Is Lamoriello Right Choice For Leafs?
Brendan Shanahan's rebuild of the Toronto Maple Leafs took another turn today as it was announced that Lou Lamoriello has been hired as new team GM. Having held the same post at the New Jersey Devils since 1987, Lamoriello is certainly experienced. Under his reign, the Devils took home three Stanley Cups from 1995 to 2003. However, will his lack of progress since then hinder Toronto's chances?
The first thought we have to contend with is that is Lamoriello jumping from one sinking ship to another which has already sunk? His 28 years in New Jersey brought about some great results, he was the first GM in the NHL to bring across Soviet players into North America. Also he brought about 21 play-off appearances and nine division titles, for his efforts Lamoriello was inducted to the NHL Hall of Fame in 2012. Asides from the roll of honor, there are some minor facts to be considered, such as the fact that from 2010 onwards, New Jersey has only made one trip to the play-offs. Although they did make another cup final appearance in 2012.
His hard nosed approach to winning is one that may benefit the Leafs, but it could also be one that hinders them. In the past, Lamoriello has gained the nickname 'Godfather Lou' due to his unquestioned leadership. He has also been noted for his past spats with stars such as Claude Lemieux, Kirk Muller and Pat Verbeek. His contract negotiation style has gained notoriety for being brutal, good thing Phil Kessel got out of town before having to deal with this guy. In some ways, he has the approach towards star players that the Leafs need currently. For two long they have had big money players who under perform drastically. Lamoriello isn't likely to take kindly to this lack of success and clamping down on this of performance will be a benefit.
Another big question that has be raised is will this new rebuild really bring about the results that Toronto wants? Yes Shanahan is on a mission and they have already made some big changes, but every decade the team attempts rebuilding with little success. Lamoriello did wonders with New Jersey and took them to the big stage from out of nothing. The Maples Leafs however have a fan base that is still bristling with frustration of being cup-less since 1967. Unlike previous GM, Dave Nonis, Godfather Lou doesn't have a good record on his side. Should this rebuild fail, Lamoriello should think about skipping town and enjoying retirement while he still can. Last season had three jerseys thrown on the ice, imagine how many more could follow?
This is one overhaul that will take a lot of time and players to get right, if he is dead set on achieving the same success as the Devils, then Lamoriello will have to invest sufficient time. With this kind of track record though, this side at least has ambition on its side.
The first thought we have to contend with is that is Lamoriello jumping from one sinking ship to another which has already sunk? His 28 years in New Jersey brought about some great results, he was the first GM in the NHL to bring across Soviet players into North America. Also he brought about 21 play-off appearances and nine division titles, for his efforts Lamoriello was inducted to the NHL Hall of Fame in 2012. Asides from the roll of honor, there are some minor facts to be considered, such as the fact that from 2010 onwards, New Jersey has only made one trip to the play-offs. Although they did make another cup final appearance in 2012.
His hard nosed approach to winning is one that may benefit the Leafs, but it could also be one that hinders them. In the past, Lamoriello has gained the nickname 'Godfather Lou' due to his unquestioned leadership. He has also been noted for his past spats with stars such as Claude Lemieux, Kirk Muller and Pat Verbeek. His contract negotiation style has gained notoriety for being brutal, good thing Phil Kessel got out of town before having to deal with this guy. In some ways, he has the approach towards star players that the Leafs need currently. For two long they have had big money players who under perform drastically. Lamoriello isn't likely to take kindly to this lack of success and clamping down on this of performance will be a benefit.
Another big question that has be raised is will this new rebuild really bring about the results that Toronto wants? Yes Shanahan is on a mission and they have already made some big changes, but every decade the team attempts rebuilding with little success. Lamoriello did wonders with New Jersey and took them to the big stage from out of nothing. The Maples Leafs however have a fan base that is still bristling with frustration of being cup-less since 1967. Unlike previous GM, Dave Nonis, Godfather Lou doesn't have a good record on his side. Should this rebuild fail, Lamoriello should think about skipping town and enjoying retirement while he still can. Last season had three jerseys thrown on the ice, imagine how many more could follow?
This is one overhaul that will take a lot of time and players to get right, if he is dead set on achieving the same success as the Devils, then Lamoriello will have to invest sufficient time. With this kind of track record though, this side at least has ambition on its side.
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