Toronto Maple Leafs: Lou Lamoriello’s future becomes more complicated
By Paul Taylor
Just when you thought it couldn’t be possible, Lou Lamoriello’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs has actually become more unclear.
Back in November, we looked at a report surrounding Lou Lamoriello’s position with the Toronto Maple Leafs. At the time, Sportsnet‘s Nick Kypreos advised there had been no significant negotiations regarding agreeing a new deal for Lamoriello to return as general manager next season.
However, if the latest speculation is anything to go by, the 75-year-old’s future has other aspects to consider. It now seems he is not actually in the final season of a three-year deal with the team.
This revelation came during Saturday’s Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada. As reported by Sportsnet, Elliotte Friedman said:
"“Technically, I don’t think that Lou Lamoriello is in the last year of his contract. I think there is term, but the question is, is the term as general manager or is there another role that he will take in the organization?”"
The Sportsnet insider panel went on to claim there have been rumors since last summer, that this would be Lamoriello’s last season as GM. Kypreos suggested assistant GM Kyle Dubas could take over next season, with Lamoriello moving to a lesser role in an advisory capacity.
So, what are we to make of all of this? Well, what we do know is Lamoriello has always been a private/secretive person.
With this in mind, we’re going to say the Sportsnet insider panel are in the dark like the rest of us and just throwing out different scenarios. Consider how they’ve gone from claiming there had been no significant progress in negotiations in November, to now suggesting speculation goes back to last summer, that this would be Lamoriello’s final season as GM.
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In addition, in Saturday’s Headlines segment it was first suggested the former New Jersey Devils GM could take on a lesser role. However, it was then followed by asking if he would be prepared to do this, or would just walk away altogether.
Friedman and company are throwing out various scenarios, increasing the chances one of them is going to stick. At that point, they will be able to say “we were right”, while conveniently sweeping the incorrect proclamations under the rug.
Just to be clear, this is not meant to be an attack on Sportsnet, which has many fine people working for them. For example, Friedman has an excellent reputation and is one of the hardest working people in the sports media industry. (And having met him, he’s a very humble and friendly guy.)
However, the reality is no one knows what lies ahead for Lamoriello. In that respect, as Tip of the Tower‘s official outsider, it is this writer’s best educated guess that his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs hasn’t actually been decided yet.
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What’s your take on Lamoriello’s future with the Leafs? Will he return next season, and if he does, what role will he hold? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.