Toronto Maple Leafs Announce Lamoriello Won’t Return

Earlier today, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that Lou Lamoriello won’t return as general manager.

At 11:53 am, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ news twitter handle, @LeafsPR released a statement stating that Brendan Shanahan announced that Lamoriello won’t return next season as general manager.

Lou’s Time In Toronto

I would like to thank Lou for all he has done for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ organization. He joined the Maple Leafs organization on July 23, 2015 after a long tenure in the garden state working for the New Jersey Devils.

He joined the Maple Leafs organization twenty-three days after the team dealt Phil Kessel to the Pittsburgh Penguins. After joining the team, he made it his goal to make sure the Maple Leafs would go from last place in the Eastern Conference to a playoff contender. He did just that.

Over the course of his stay in Toronto, he made several significant acquisitions, draft selections and free agent signings. He was able to grab Frederik Andersen and Brian Boyle in trades. Plus, he was able to send former captain, Dion Phaneuf to Ottawa which gave the Maple Leafs cap relief. In addition, he drafted Auston Matthews and signed Patrick Marleau.

Lamoriello’s efforts paved the way for the Maple Leafs to be one of the highest scoring teams in the NHL. Additionally, he was able to ensure that the Maple Leafs secured a playoff spot in back-to-back seasons.

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Per a report from The Canadian Press, Lamoriello will stay with the Maple Leafs organization for the next four seasons as a senior advisor.

Kyle Dubas

The most likely to be given the general manager position is Kyle Dubas. He was hired as an assistant general manager by Shanahan on July 22, 2014. Prior to joining the organization, he served as the general manager of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Over the course of his career, Dubas has been known to be a ‘stats-guy’.  Essentially, he’s the Bill James of the hockey.

If Dubas becomes general manager, he’ll be a great fit. He’ll be able to look at advanced stats and pin-point young talent that will be a great fit in Toronto.

Plus, Dubas has had the last three years to study from one of the best general managers in the game.

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Other Options

In addition to Dubas, there are several  candidates that might be a strong fit. The one negative about him is that he doesn’t have a ton of experience. Instead of Dubas, the Toronto Maple Leafs could look to name Mark Hunter general manager or they could make an outside hire. For instance, the Maple Leafs could look to lure Stan Bowman, current general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks to Toronto.

Hopefully, Shanahan and the front office makes their decision soon as the NHL Draft and Free Agency isn’t far away.