Over the past few seasons, the New York Islanders have consistently made it to the NHL playoffs, largely credited to general manager Lou Lamoriello and his roster decisions. However, rumors swirl about his impending retirement. As part of the "32 Bold Predictions" series, NHL insider Frank Seravalli predicted that Lamoriello, who has a career spanning 35 years and has won three Stanley Cups, would retire after the current season.
Despite being sharp-minded, Lou will turn 81 on October 21st. Seravalli's prediction also hints at the Islanders missing the playoffs this season, suggesting that a change is forthcoming. This prediction isn't based on concrete information but given Lamoriello's age, it seems a plausible outcome.
Looking forward, while Lamoriello's tenure as the general manager might be winding down, his influence on the team will endure. Key decisions he made include extending contracts for Scott Mayfield, Pierre Engvall, and Semyon Varlamov. Other notable players like Mathew Barzal, Ryan Pulock, and Bo Horvat have also secured their long-term place with the team. These extensions evoke mixed reactions: some fans applaud the moves, foreseeing stability, while others feel Lamoriello may have compromised the Islanders' future prospects.
Ultimately, the success of these decisions will be gauged by the team's performance. If the Islanders clinch a Stanley Cup in the future, even post-Lamoriello's era, his legacy will be celebrated. Conversely, if the team underperforms, questions may arise about Lamoriello's long-lasting decisions and their impact on the team's fortune.
