NHL Team Parts Ways With Former Maple Leafs GM in Unexpected Move

While the NHL playoffs are underway, those who didn't make the dance are figuring out what's next for their teams. Whether it's a new roster, a coaching change, or getting lucky in the draft; there's a lot to think about for those not fighting for a Cup.

However, in a stunning turn of events, the New York Islanders decided to part ways with Lou Lamoriello; informing him that his contract would not be renewed and the team is going to search for a new GM effective immediately.

The Islanders finished the season with 82 points (35-35-12) record, and had a really rough season all things considered. Dealing with injury woes all season, they were without some big names like Semyon Varlamov, Mat Barzal and Anthony Duclair.

They also traded franchise icon Brock Nelson at the trade deadline, and finished off the last 14 games of the season with an abysmal 3-7-4 record; while yes they went to OT four times; that's 11 out of 14 for losses.

The team finished 27th in goals for, 20th in goals against, and if it weren't for teams like San Jose, Chicago, and Nashville; they'd be in an even worse spot than they are now.

Lamoriello is no stranger to being let go or resigning from positions, as he ended up leaving his longtime Devils team to be the Maple Leafs GM from 2015-2018 and was critical in drafting the likes of Auston Matthews and acquiring Frederik Andersen; a move that could have helped the team had Kyle Dubas not interfered.

He rules his teams with an iron fist, and he doesn't like to really go splurge on massive names; although he has been known to splash some cash though it doesn't always work out (see Pierre Envgall).

Lamoriello was also a head coach several times in addition to his GM duties, and amassed a 34-14-5 record in his career; he was Providence's head coach for 15 years from 1968-69 until 1982-83 and helped negotiate the first TV package for college hockey in the US.

While it might not be long until Lamoriello finds himself with a job again, for now the Islanders are going to be in limbo until a new GM is found. That's not good for a team looking to bounce back, and it could get a lot worse in Long Island before it gets better.