Reports of a major shake-up for the Islanders
Including a rare public statement from GM Lou Lamoriello.
HockeyFeed
Don't look now, but today actually marks the five year anniversary of Lou Lamoriello taking over as President of the New York Islanders.
When taking the job half a decade ago, Lamoriello promptly fired coach Doug Weight and GM Garth Snow, installing himself as the team's big boss man moving forward. Just a week later he hired head coach Barry Trotz, fresh off a Stanley Cup championship. In the five years that have passed Lamoriello has done an admirable job in icing a competitive team, but has failed to get the Islanders over the proverbial hump.
Could a major shakeup be coming though?
Lamoriello himself has called a press conference for tomorrow afternoon and there's speculation that head coachh Lane Lambert could be on the chopping block.
We can only speculate as to why Lamoriello is meeting with the media, but you can bet that the team will be releasing some news. Lamoriello is notorious for keeping news to himself unless it's absolutely necessary. I mean... we've all seen the contract signings that get announced literally minutes before the opening of training camp, once Lamoriello and the Islanders are forced to release their roster for the NHL. Lamoriello does things his own way and, honestly, it's hard to argue with the results. The guy is a born winner, pure and simple.
What I do find a bit interesting though is that Lamoriello has actually issued a public statement regarding the team's outdoor game against the New York Rangers to be hosted at MetLife Stadium.
“The New York Islanders are honored to have been selected by the National Hockey League to host a game at MetLife Stadium. Our fan-base is one of the most passionate in the NHL and deserve to experience this memorable event, along with our players and the entire organization. We look forward to playing our division rival inside one of the largest professional stadiums in the country.”
- Lou Lamoriello
I suspect that tomorrow's media availability will have less to do with a silly outdoor game though and more to do with the team's management and/or coaching staff moving forward. Frankly, it wouldn't be a surprise to hear Lamoriello's plans for retirement... he is 80 years old, afterall.
- Chris Gosselin
Amount of money Johnny Gaudreau’s wife will receive from the NHL after his passing revealed
- NHL News
- 3 minutes read
- Chris Gosselin
New details confirm how Gaudreau brothers found themselves at the collision site
- NHL News
- 3 minutes read
- Trevor Connors
A sickening update on Johnny Gaudreau's alleged killer
- NHL News
- 1 minute read