After seven years leading the New York Islanders, Lou Lamoriello is officially out as president and general manager. The move marks a significant turning point for a franchise ready to hit reset after another underwhelming season.
A Change That Was a Long Time Coming
Lamoriello’s exit may have surprised some fans, but internally, the wheels were already in motion. According to sources close to RG Media, there were conversations last offseason about moving on from Lamoriello. The team’s unexpected playoff run at the time gave him a lifeline—but with no such rebound this year, ownership made the call.
Operating partner and minority owner John Collins will now lead the search for a new general manager.
Missed Opportunities and Mounting Frustrations
The 2024-25 season ended in disappointment. A 35-35-12 record left the Islanders outside the playoff picture, and the team’s struggles down the stretch made Lamoriello’s position untenable.
While he did manage to trade Brock Nelson for a respectable return, many felt he should have done more at the deadline. Veterans like Kyle Palmieri and Jean-Gabriel Pageau were not moved, despite potential interest. The offense remained stagnant, and there was reportedly friction between Lamoriello and head coach Patrick Roy, who subtly criticized the roster throughout the season.
A Mixed Legacy on Long Island
Lamoriello’s tenure wasn’t without its highs. Under his leadership, the Islanders reached back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals in 2020 and 2021 and found stability in a historically chaotic franchise.
He played a crucial role in the development of UBS Arena and helped guide the organization through major transitions, including the departure of former captain John Tavares.
However, critics argue that Lamoriello struggled to adapt to the modern, salary-cap-driven NHL. His traditionalist approach—like enforcing a no-facial-hair policy and limiting the team’s marketing and social media—often felt out of step with today’s league.
The Search for New Leadership Begins
With Lamoriello gone, the Islanders are charting a new path. John Collins will oversee what’s expected to be an extensive search for the team’s next general manager. Early speculation has linked the team to Ken Holland, the four-time Stanley Cup-winning GM who recently departed the Edmonton Oilers.
But if the Islanders are truly seeking fresh ideas and a modern approach, hiring another old-school executive might not be the right move.
Big Decisions Ahead for the New GM
Whoever takes over will inherit a daunting to-do list. First, there’s the future of Patrick Roy—will he remain as head coach, or will the new GM want to start fresh behind the bench?
Then there’s the roster. Key contract decisions are looming for players like Adam Boqvist, Noah Dobson, Alexander Romanov, and Palmieri. The AHL affiliate in Bridgeport is also in desperate need of attention after finishing dead last in back-to-back seasons.
The front office itself is among the league’s smallest and needs to be expanded to keep pace with the rest of the NHL.
The End of the Lamoriello Era
Lou Lamoriello leaves behind a complicated legacy. His 1,479 career wins as a general manager are second-most in NHL history, and his leadership helped usher in a period of relative stability for the Islanders. But in recent years, his approach felt outdated, and the results on the ice failed to meet expectations.
Now, a new era begins on Long Island—and all eyes are on who comes next.
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