Toronto Maple Leafs: Lamoriello deserves to remain as general manager

Much has been spoken about Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello’s expiring contract this season, with the 75-year-old potentially set for a new role.

In his third season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, general manager Lou Lamoriello has openly spoken about current assistant general manager Kyle Dubas being the next man up when he steps down.

In true Lou fashion, however, nothing is out of the realm of possibility and the reputation of secrecy that the long-time GM has brought to the club leaves everyone effectively in the dark.

Recently, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet spoke about Lamoriello not truly being in his last year with the team, but potentially could remain with the Leafs in a different role.

But the question remains. Would Lamoriello be satisfied moving into a lesser role and being less involved with the team at this time?

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The Leafs are on an upward trajectory, having a strong rebuild leading to back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in over a decade.

The team has been moulded in Lamoriello’s image, with trimmed hair, no beards and wearing suits on every flight the team makes together, giving an aura of professionalism not seen in a long time.

Lamoriello has been heavily involved in the deals that have transformed one of the deepest young cores in the league. This is also evident with the talented young prospects plying their trade with the Marlies.

The team is expected to take the next step in their attempts to become a contender next season and Lamoriello will no doubt want to be involved in that as much as he can.

Dubas is waiting for his opportunity to take over, but there are rumblings about his readiness to step up right now.

If Lamoriello decides he isn’t ready to step down and would like to stay in his current role, the Maple Leafs should strongly consider allowing that to happen.

Even if Lamoriello isn’t offered a three-year contract, a year-by-year deal that sees him given an opportunity every season to assess his own future could be the best for both parties.

He is a huge reason for the team’s success, along with club president Brendan Shanahan and head coach Mike Babcock, and should be treated with the utmost respect for the job he has done in such a short time.

The next two seasons are also crucial for the Leafs in terms of contract negotiations. William Nylander, Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews all set for new deals and no less than 19 free agent contracts to deal with after this season alone.

Lamoriello is a shrewd negotiator, helping to land Nazem Kadri and Morgan Rielly on long-term, team-friendly deals, and having his experience dealing with the impending free agents will be extremely valuable.

It feels like the time for Lamoriello to step down isn’t yet here, with too many important deals yet to be made.

It may be a daunting task for Dubas to take on immediately and another year or two of learning behind such an experienced and revered character will do him the world of good.

If Lamoriello wants it, they should let him have it.

Next: "Good Miss" for Toronto Maple Leafs' Dermott

Would you like to see Lamoriello stay as GM for a bit longer? Or are you ready for Dubas to take the reins? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!