In the most dramatic move since taking control of the Islanders, owners Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky have dropped the gloves and started swinging.
The one-two punch resulted in the most stabilizing individual force available in the game — Lou Lamoriello.
For the second time in three years, Lamoriello bounced off the canvas right into another mighty — and well-paying gig.
His title is President of Hockey Operations but in military terms, it would amount to General Of The Armies.
Now that Malkin-Ledecky have given Lou the keys to the kingdom, we can expect a chain reaction of Lamoriello moves just as he executed as New Jersey Devils boss for 28 years and most recently as GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Has Lou changed from his three-Cup Devils days and three years with Toronto? He has adjusted to the times and places without forsaking his core values.
Exhibit A is Matt Martin who, as an Islander, wore his hair like Samson. Under Lou, Martin’s mane in Toronto was less leonine and more like a Marine drill sergeant. Based on his past performance, Lamoriello will waste no more than three seconds righting The Good Ship Islander.
These challenges will be on Lou’s to-do list:
GOALTENDING:
The Thomas Greiss–Jaroslav Halak combo likely will be reduced to Greiss. Procuring a No. 1 goalie will be a priority.
DEFENSE:
Johnny Boychuk is aging and Nick Leddy was a minus last season. At least one — preferably two — reliable back-liners must be added. Defense remains a major issue.
OFFENSE:
It’s all about John Tavares; whether he stays or emigrates. A meeting with Lou may have persuaded him to remain an Islander. If Tavares leaves, Lou will have to seek a reliable center.
Here’s what co-owner, Scott Malkin had to say:
“We are grateful to Larry Tanenbaum and the Toronto Maple Leafs for their courtesy in allowing this move. We are committed to giving Lou every resource and the full support of the entire organization as we pursue our program to compete at the highest level.”
And here’s Lamoriello’s reaction:
“I am excited to join such a storied franchise and look forward to working with Scott Malkin and the entire New York Islanders organization.”