Former Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello Drawing Interest From Atlantic Division Rival

It was a bit of a shocker that the New York Islanders parted ways with Lou Lamoriello, a longtime executive with a vast resume filled with decades of experience.

He couldn't use that experience to find much success with the team, with only one Conference Finals to his name.

The Islanders saw mainstay Brock Nelson traded, and the organization figured a new voice was needed in the front office, deciding not to renew his deal for next year.

So with Buffalo struggling yet again this season, and no real direction for the club going forward, could a recently departed Lamoriello be the answer?

According to sources, he just might be.

Connor Hurley, a producer and contributor for TMZ, reported that the former Islanders President was seen traveling through Buffalo International Airport, confirming rumors that he was in line for an executive role.

If anyone can try to turn things around in Buffalo it's Lamoriello.

A multi-time Stanley Cup Champion with the New Jersey Devils, he created a powerful dynasty that lasted for a decade.

Known for his no-nonsense style of management, one that eschews big and splashy contracts for superstar players, he rules with an iron fist, and has a draft mentality like no other (a huge plus for a permanently rebuilding Sabres team).

He drafted names like Patrik Elias, Martin Brodeur and Auston Matthews; he could walk into a team that has Owen Power, Rasmus Dahlin, Jack Quinn, Peyton Krebs and Bowen Byram.

An executive with New Jersey for 28 years, he then became the Maple Leafs GM in 2015, and inherited a miserable Leafs squad that he had a hand in who they are today; he left Toronto in 2018.

Lamoriello is also a former head coach, where he had a 34-14-5 record with the Devils after taking over for Larry Robinson.

He prides himself on loyalty, and those players are all primed to be Sabres mainstays for a decade, and if they're treated right with a bit more success, it makes wanting to stay easier.

It's vital to also note that Lamoriello would be heading back to face his old team in the Atlantic, and could have some insider information that might make things a bit difficult for the Leafs.

If he can help transform the Sabres into even an average team, they will be in a good spot in the division.

With Boston, Detroit and to some extent Montreal struggling at times; Buffalo has the chance to leapfrog some teams under his guidance.

But there are certainly some downsides.

Lamoriello has made some good moves but also some pretty awful ones, especially in recent years.

Signing Pierre Engvall to a seven-year deal, trading Devon Toews, and adding multiple huge deals in hopes of a dynasty handicapped New York's future.

He also traded Islanders lifer Brock Nelson to the Avalanche, and while he got back a pretty good deal, he decided that loyalty has its limits.

Can Buffalo afford him to make a signing for someone like Nelson, or Brock Boeser?

He doesn't make big free agent deals often, and while Buffalo has a ton of cap space; is it worth wasting half of it on a veteran who may not add much value?

Does bringing one of them in and pushing one of their budding stars to the side in favor of an established player best for morale?

We've already seen several former Sabres want out due to the culture, and they may feel slighted by Lou's shiny new toys.

While there's no concrete evidence that Lamoriello is going to be a part of Buffalo's front office for 2025-26 and beyond, him being spotted in the city is a pretty telling sign.

But where there's smoke, there's usually fire. Don't be surprised to see Sweet Lou signing with the Sabres in the coming weeks.