Leave it to Lou to cross every hockey operations taboo this offseason. You never sweep out staff this late. The NHL draft is only a few weeks away.
Well, guess what, they never met Lou Lamoriello. Lou’s evaluation churned like a buzzsaw today as the NY Islanders announced that both Garth Snow and Doug Weight would no longer be in their current roles in the organization. They do remain in the organization in another capacity, however.
Lou took over as GM and sits in the driver’s seat this NHL draft with all scouts and draft staff now reporting to him.
As Mel Brooks once said: “It’s good to be king!”
Hilariously, it isn’t even SUMMER yet!
Which begs the question of why so fast? Just Lou’s normal speed? Sure. But also notice that Washington Capitals coach Barry Trotz, who has led the team to the cup finals and sitting at 3-1, happens to be on his LAST year in his contract.
If the NY Islanders ownership went out to get Lou ASAP, then it could be that Lou’s fast clean-out is to make the place primed and ready for a coach with experience and acumen like Trotz or someone with that type of credentials.
Back in March, Nick Kypreos reported about Capitals GM Brian MacLellan getting a multi-year contract extension on Hockey Night in Canada. Sports reporter Chris Johnston made the following key point.
if the Capitals do not resign Trotz soon then other teams will likely be calling for his services.
Lo and behold, suddenly before the Cup can be awarded or an amazing come-back by Vegas… the Isles house is now primed and ready.
I don’t think there are many coincidences here. Scott Malkin brought in Lou to win, and Trotz is someone who can certainly get a team there.
Take it from me, who just got burned twice by betting against Lou…. don’t dismiss Lou and the NY Islanders. They might not get their man, but they are looking to add the best they can as soon as possible. The clock is ticking.
