The Fifth Liners

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. Alt...

The New Jersey Devils are officially under new management as today it was announced this morning that the franchise has been sold to a group headed by investment banker Joshua Harris, whose group Blitzer is also part owner of NBA franchise, the Philadelphia 76ers will be aiming to bring the Stanley Cup back to the Prudential Center after a 10 year absence. Harris has stated that his decision to buy the Devils was down to his families original roots in New Jersey, Scott O'Neill has been hired as team CEO and will oversee the business end of things, current GM Lou Lamoriello will still be retained as the team is seeking to rebuilding after the loss of Ilya Kovalchuk in the post season.