Hockey Night in Canada Headlines …
Sportsnet: It’s been believed for a while that Toronto Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello is in the final year of his three-year deal with the team, but that may not be the case.
“Technically, I don’t think that Lou Lamoriello is in the last year of his contract,” said Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman during Saturday’s Headlines segment onHockey Night in Canada. “I think there is term, but the question is, is the term as general manager or is there anther role that he will take in the organization?”
There has been some talk that a meeting may have happened last offseason where management made it know that this season would be Lamoriello’s last as the teams GM. Nick Kypreos adds that Kyle Dubas could be Lamoriello’s replacement.
“The question is: Would Lou Lamoriello take a lesser role to extend that contract obligation or would he rather just leave?” Kypreos asked.
Added Friedman: “I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s in an advisory role for a couple more years.”
Sportsnet: Washington Capitals GM Brian MacLellan received a multi-year contract extension. Head coach Barry Trotz is in the final year of his contract and his future with the team is uncertain.
“It’s gotten to the point where if he’s not signed soon … other teams are going to come out looking for him perhaps,” said Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston during Saturday night’s Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada.
“Barry’s future in Washington is very much uncertain.”
A potential replacement if the Capitals don’t bring Trotz back is their assistant coach Todd Reirden according to Friedman. The Capitals have denied requests to speak with Reirden from the Coyotes, Sabres and Panthers.
Sportsnet: Next year’s the NHL has two scheduled outdoor games – Blackhawks and Bruins at Notre Dame, and the Flyers and Penguins at Lincoln Financial Field. Elliotte Friedman notes the NHL is looking at Canadian venues for future outdoor games and they could look at Saskatchewan.
“I do think Regina is one of the places the NHL is considering for a future outdoor game in Canada,” Friedman said.