On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Kristen Shilton of TSN: The Maple Leafs announced yesterday that Lou Lamoriello won’t be back as their general manager.
There is no timetable for when Brendan Shanahan will name a new GM and he wouldn’t say if they would consider outside candidates. Assistant GM Kyle Dubas or Mark Hunter would be obvious choices.
“I felt what was best for the organization if I were to make a decision was to make one early,” Shanahan said. “So I haven’t begun that process yet and that’s why no one has been named. My focus was on Lou and making a decision and taking a little time right after the season to really reflect on that. Just handling one thing at a time.”
The original plan when they hired Lamoriello was to have him as their GM for three years and then move him to an advisors position for the next four years.
“My responsibility is right here with the Toronto Maple Leafs,” said Lamoriello. “I made an agreement and a decision three years ago. It is my intent to honour that. This morning Brendan and I had a conversation and there are no other thoughts in my mind at this point.”
Jonas Siegel: There will be no interim GM and Shanahan will be handling the day-to-day duties until they name a replacement.
Steve Simmons: “My bet on Lou Lamoriello – he won’t stick around the Leafs for long. He’s a boss. He’s not an advisor. It’s not who he is.”
Mike Kelly: The Maple Leafs are expected to sign 26-year old Swedish center Par Lindholm to a one-year deal.