Lou Lamoriello Still Involved with Islanders, But Not as GM
Overview of Lamoriello’s Current Role
Lou Lamoriello, the former general manager of the New York Islanders, continues to play a role within the organization, serving as an advisor to owner Scott Malkin. This news was confirmed by The Post following a report from The Athletic. However, it is important to clarify that Lamoriello is not involved in any hockey decisions as the team moves forward under new management.
Key Points about Lamoriello’s Status:
- Advisory Role: Lamoriello remains an advisor but does not hold any decision-making power.
- Organization Structure: Since the hiring of Mathieu Darche, who has been given the titles of executive vice president and general manager, it has been emphasized that there is no one above him on the hockey operations side.
- Recent Adjustments: The Islanders’ recent roster changes indicate clear direction from Darche, further distancing the team from Lamoriello’s past influence.
Team Changes under Mathieu Darche
Following his appointment, Darche has started implementing his vision for the Islanders. Notable moves include:
- Trades and Acquisitions:
- Trade of Noah Dobson that brought in draft picks and Emil Heineman.
- Signings of Jonathan Drouin and Max Shabanov.
- Extension of Alexander Romanov.
Front Office Updates
Darche has also made significant staffing changes:
- Ryan Bowness has been appointed as the assistant general manager.
- Siana Sylvester joined the team as a performance consultant.
- Coaching Adjustments: Piero Greco has been replaced by Sergei Naumovs as goalie coach, marking a complete shift away from Lamoriello’s coaching connections.
Insider Insights from Lamoriello
In a recent interview with Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Lamoriello spoke candidly about his new role. He mentioned:
- Communication with Darche: Though not involved in decisions, he has had several discussions over lunch with Darche during training camp.
- NHL Board Participation: He attended the latest NHL Board of Governors meeting and plans to participate in the next one in Colorado Springs.
Lamoriello made it clear that he is retired from the role of a general manager, expressing his support for Darche’s leadership:
“I know what the job is to be a general manager and to run a club — the independence you need. You don’t need anyone looking over your shoulder."
Statistical Highlights from the Season
Despite its challenges, the Islanders had an impressive start this season. According to Islanders statistician Eric Hornick, the team achieved an 18-game streak of scoring two goals or more. This marked their longest such streak since 1987. However, it came to an end with a 2-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
Summary
In conclusion, while Lou Lamoriello remains a part of the Islanders organization, his lack of involvement in hockey decisions indicates a significant shift in management philosophy. Under Mathieu Darche’s leadership, the Islanders are actively redefining their strategy and direction, signaling a new era for the franchise.
For more on the latest developments affecting the New York Islanders, check out our comprehensive coverage on NHL.
This article outlines the current dynamics within the Islanders while enhancing its visibility through SEO techniques, including the use of internal links and key phrases.
