Islanders must search for new leader attuned to modern game

Lou Lamoriello stood at the back of the news conference area at Newark’s Prudential Center on May 4, 2015, as the late Ray Shero was announced as his successor as Devils general manager. Lamoriello, who remained the team’s president, physically tried to stay out of the way yet his presence still loomed large and everyone there seemed to recognize that could be a problem.

A little more than two months later, he left the organization he’d been with since 1987 to take over as Maple Leafs GM and have more of a day-to-day say in personnel decisions. In 2018, phased out from that role in favor of Kyle Dubas, Lamoriello left for the Islanders, where he would have absolute say as president, enough to hire himself as GM, too.

Now the Islanders are looking to replace Lamoriello — perhaps with one person, perhaps with two — after announcing on Tuesday they would not renew the contract of the Hall of Fame executive, who turns 83 in October.

It was the necessary move for Islanders ownership with the franchise at a tipping point after their second playoff miss in four seasons. But Lamoriello’s presence will still loom large over the Islanders until the next person (people) show otherwise with a plan of action.

So what exactly should Islanders operating partner John Collins — conducting the search to replace Lamoriello — be seeking? Collins is expected to conduct an extensive search of multiple candidates ranging from veteran NHL executives — former GMs such as Ken Holland and Marc Bergevin would be logical inclusions — to up-and-coming assistant GMs such as the Lightning’s Mathieu Darche and the Devils’ Kate Madigan, who is believed to be on the Islanders’ list of those to interview. Perhaps out-of-the-box possibilities such as ESPN’s Kevin Weekes or Canadiens executive vice president Jeff Gorton will be included as well.

Regardless of who is eventually hired, there are a few absolutes here.

That starts with prioritizing the foundation.

The Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport is in shambles, finishing this season with just 37 points in 72 games, reflecting the lack of multiple high-end prospects. Cal Ritchie, acquired from the Avalanche in the Brock Nelson trade, may help next season if he can make the full-time jump from junior hockey. Boston University product Cole Eiserman’s scoring is probably another season away from joining the organization.

Lamoriello left the Devils with a barren minor-league cupboard and Shero never did overcome that despite his shrewd trade for Taylor Hall and shrewd drafting of Nico Hischier.

Another absolute is kick-starting the Islanders’ move to getting younger even beyond developing prospects out of Bridgeport. The Islanders, during the 2024-25 season, had an average age of 28.9, fourth oldest in the NHL. The playoff-qualifying Canadiens were the second youngest at 25.1. It’s a huge gap that must be closed.

Then there’s the Islanders’ culture, which Lamoriello and former coach Barry Trotz did a phenomenal job of re-establishing in 2018.

It will be a difficult balancing act to retain the best of Lamoriello — starting with the accountability he demanded — to catering more to the modern athlete. For instance, reference the Yankees, who this spring finally canned their no-facial-hair policy. That, also, was a staple of life under Lamoriello.

Finally, let the coach coach and fully hire his own staff, whether it’s Patrick Roy returning or the Islanders’ fourth bench boss in three years. There must be more of a distinction between being in charge of personnel and being in charge of Xs and Os.

Ultimately, the Islanders need a progressive mind finely attuned to the modern NHL game of speed and youth.

Having Collins, with his vast NHL and other managerial experience, leading the interviews is a good start.

By Andrew Gross

andrew.gross@newsday.comAGrossNewsday

Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.