Lou Lamoriello named Leafs General Manager

[LuncheonMeat]

If this is true it's absolutely terrible.

Why?

This is probably a situation where we have to wait and see how it plays out before a decision can be made. 

If LouLam comes in, uses his experience to help Dubas and Hunter grow, and makes the organization stronger because they are able to make better deals with other clubs because of his cache then this should work out well for the Leafs.

However, if he comes in, stomps all over the work that Dubas and Hunter try and do and takes a my way or the highway approach to this job, then this will probably end very badly for the Leafs.

One would hope given the way things have gone in the offseason that it is the former and not the latter, but we won't really know until things have gone on for a while.

With the current group, I'm betting things would end badly for Lou as opposed to the Leafs.

 

[rdowdall]

If this is true it's absolutely terrible.

Why?

This is probably a situation where we have to wait and see how it plays out before a decision can be made. 

If LouLam comes in, uses his experience to help Dubas and Hunter grow, and makes the organization stronger because they are able to make better deals with other clubs because of his cache then this should work out well for the Leafs.

However, if he comes in, stomps all over the work that Dubas and Hunter try and do and takes a my way or the highway approach to this job, then this will probably end very badly for the Leafs.

One would hope given the way things have gone in the offseason that it is the former and not the latter, but we won't really know until things have gone on for a while.

With the current group, I'm betting things would end badly for Lou as opposed to the Leafs.

My only worry with Lou in that scenario is that I think he is shrewd enough to do it without them knowing it.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

However, if he comes in, stomps all over the work that Dubas and Hunter try and do and takes a my way or the highway approach to this job, then this will probably end very badly for the Leafs.

I just don't understand this line of thinking, and I'm assuming it's the general idea behind everyone who might think that this move is awful.

I mean, I think as can all assume that Shanahan and Lou spoke a little about this job prior to Lou taking it. Shanny likely explained what his plan is for the future of the Maple Leafs. He likely explained what Hunter and Dubas' roles are on the team in executing that plan. He likely explained what he felt was missing from the teams front office and what the role of an incoming GM would be and how that piece would fit in with all the other pieces that have been assembled. Lou likely listened to all of this and decided that he wanted to be a part of all this.

So why would we be in any way worried that Lou is going to go rogue all of a sudden and start making moves behind the teams back that go against the vision that Shanahan has?

 

[herman]

Let's see what comes out tomorrow during the press conferences and interview rounds; I suspect he's coming in here eyes wide open (a la Babcock) as that is Shanahan's way. This is a senior advisor role in my view, augmenting the foundation that is already in place to allow time for Dubas/Hunter to grow.

The 3rd rounder in return (which is so weird) is nearly meaningless because over half the team is on an expiring contract and likely to be moved at the deadline; there will be higher picks coming back.

 

[rdowdall]

However, if he comes in, stomps all over the work that Dubas and Hunter try and do and takes a my way or the highway approach to this job, then this will probably end very badly for the Leafs.

I just don't understand this line of thinking, and I'm assuming it's the general idea behind everyone who might think that this move is awful.

I mean, I think as can all assume that Shanahan and Lou spoke a little about this job prior to Lou taking it. Shanny likely explained what his plan is for the future of the Maple Leafs. He likely explained what Hunter and Dubas' roles are on the team in executing that plan. He likely explained what he felt was missing from the teams front office and what the role of an incoming GM would be and how that piece would fit in with all the other pieces that have been assembled. Lou likely listened to all of this and decided that he wanted to be a part of all this.

So why would we be in any way worried that Lou is going to go rogue all of a sudden and start making moves behind the teams back that go against the vision that Shanahan has?

Probably because the general perception of guys like Lou is that they are alpha's that don't take a back seat to people.  So when they are asked to come in to a role where they have to take a back seat to others ideas, that doesn't fit their perception and therefore can't see them performing well in that role.

 

[ZBBM]

Woah. That'll get the boards talking a bit. I don't expect the general vision that Shanny/Dubs/Hunts have created to change at all though, this won't be the new New Jersey Devils that's for sure. Lou will still have to follow Shanahan, which will be interesting to see.

Which is the basic problem.  All of LL's successes ? and failures ? are tied to his singlemindedness and absolute authority.  That's his whole M.O.  I don't see how he's suddenly going to sublimate that and play not just second fiddle to Shanahan, but third to Shanahan and Babcock.

EDIT: read the profile of him in the current issue of THN -- this isn't some "general perception," it's attributed as being the secret of his success by guys who know him best, like Daneyko.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Probably because the general perception of guys like Lou is that they are alpha's that don't take a back seat to people.  So when they are asked to come in to a roll where they have to take a back seat to others ideas, that doesn't fit their perception and therefore can't see them performing well in that roll.

But then why take this job? Again, we can be pretty sure that nowhere in his interview with Lou did Shanahan ever say "you have full and complete control of this team". Lou knows exactly what job he signed up for, there won't be any surprises here.

Also, Lou is 72 years old, turning 73 about when the season starts. He was just be ousted out of the franchise that he basically created. Is it so hard to believe that he left that situation just a little bit humbled by how everything went down and realizes that he can't be the same GM he was 20 years ago? Why would it be hard to believe that at this tenure of his career he's actually looking forward to a change in pace?

 

[ZBBM]

Probably because the general perception of guys like Lou is that they are alpha's that don't take a back seat to people.  So when they are asked to come in to a roll where they have to take a back seat to others ideas, that doesn't fit their perception and therefore can't see them performing well in that roll.

But then why take this job? Again, we can be pretty sure that nowhere in his interview with Lou did Shanahan ever say "you have full and complete control of this team". Lou knows exactly what job he signed up for, there won't be any surprises here.

Also, Lou is 72 years old, turning 73 about when the season starts. He was just be ousted out of the franchise that he basically created. Is it so hard to believe that he left that situation just a little bit humbled by how everything went down and realizes that he can't be the same GM he was 20 years ago? Why would it be hard to believe that at this tenure of his career he's actually looking forward to a change in pace?

Yes, it's hard to believe.  Alpha males never willingly become betas.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Which is the basic problem.  All of LL's successes ? and failures ? are tied to his singlemindedness and absolute authority.  That's his whole M.O.  I don't see how he's suddenly going to sublimate that and play not just second fiddle to Shanahan, but third to Shanahan and Babcock.

EDIT: read the profile of him in the current issue of THN -- this isn't some "general perception," it's attributed as being the secret of his success by guys who know him best, like Daneyko.

What's exactly your worry here then, that Lou won't change and will continue to operate in the "alpha-status" role that he's used to, or that he'll be a failure in a new role that he isn't used to?

 

[Guru Tugginmypuddah]

Scotty Bowman has worked out pretty well in Chicago. 

 

[rdowdall]

Probably because the general perception of guys like Lou is that they are alpha's that don't take a back seat to people.  So when they are asked to come in to a roll where they have to take a back seat to others ideas, that doesn't fit their perception and therefore can't see them performing well in that roll.

But then why take this job? Again, we can be pretty sure that nowhere in his interview with Lou did Shanahan ever say "you have full and complete control of this team". Lou knows exactly what job he signed up for, there won't be any surprises here.

Also, Lou is 72 years old, turning 73 about when the season starts. He was just be ousted out of the franchise that he basically created. Is it so hard to believe that he left that situation just a little bit humbled by how everything went down and realizes that he can't be the same GM he was 20 years ago? Why would it be hard to believe that at this tenure of his career he's actually looking forward to a change in pace?

I agree with you that everything seems on the up and up.  It should work out well for the Leafs.  His experience with setting the code of conduct for an organization will be invaluable.  His knowledge on the ins and outs of the NHL will serve the inexperienced front office.  His hiring solves one of the glaring weaknesses with the Leafs current management group, which was a lack of experience at this level.

However given his track record of being the guy that wants things done a certain way or your out could lead people to be a little leery with his hiring.  I think a lot of people like the momentum that the group Shanahan has put together has created.  An attitude that everything is going to be done "my way" from now on could derail that momentum.  I can see how people would be concerned about that.

Again, I think it's too close to call.  I was concerned about the Babcock hiring, but so far he has said all the right things.  I trust that Shanahan explained the position to Lou.  I trust that Lou accepted the position thinking that he can do what Shanahan wants him to do.  Now he just needs to prove that he can accomplish that goal.

 

[rdowdall]

Scotty Bowman has worked out pretty well in Chicago.

I think the title of GM is what concerns people.  If he was hired as an adviser or director of making Hunter and Dubas better, then it would sit better with those that think this isn't going to work.

 

[Highlander]

My fear is he may want to bring back Clarkson??just kidding.  Lou is only here to mentor Hunter but mostly Dubas whom I think will end up the Leaf GM within two years.  and if the Leafs are really bad this year he will not be able to fire the Babs

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Let's be clear; this is a short-term hire, and Lamoriello isn't taking over the Leaf organization. He will be reporting to Shanahan, a kid he drafted 25 years ago. He had to accept that before this surprise hiring could become reality.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/why-lamoriello-isnt-taking-over-leafs-organization/

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I think the title of GM is what concerns people.  If he was hired as an adviser or director of making Hunter and Dubas better, then it would sit better with those that think this isn't going to work.

I think that's accurate. But we've all known for a long time that whoever came in as GM wouldn't be a traditional general manager. That's not going to change just because we brought in a bigger name than we were expecting.

edit: Also, god I wish his official title was actually "Director of Making Hunter and Dubas Better".

 

[rdowdall]

Let's be clear; this is a short-term hire, and Lamoriello isn't taking over the Leaf organization. He will be reporting to Shanahan, a kid he drafted 25 years ago. He had to accept that before this surprise hiring could become reality.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/why-lamoriello-isnt-taking-over-leafs-organization/

See again, they are saying all the right things.  And I have to think that it's going to work out the way that Shanahan has it planned.  If it does then this is a huge positive for the Leafs.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Lou's talking at 2pm. You can be sure one of the first questions directed at him will be "how will this role be different than the one you had in New Jersey" and I'm sure he'll have a response that makes a lot of sense.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Probably because the general perception of guys like Lou is that they are alpha's that don't take a back seat to people.  So when they are asked to come in to a roll where they have to take a back seat to others ideas, that doesn't fit their perception and therefore can't see them performing well in that roll.

But then why take this job? Again, we can be pretty sure that nowhere in his interview with Lou did Shanahan ever say "you have full and complete control of this team". Lou knows exactly what job he signed up for, there won't be any surprises here.

Also, Lou is 72 years old, turning 73 about when the season starts. He was just be ousted out of the franchise that he basically created. Is it so hard to believe that he left that situation just a little bit humbled by how everything went down and realizes that he can't be the same GM he was 20 years ago? Why would it be hard to believe that at this tenure of his career he's actually looking forward to a change in pace?

Yes, it's hard to believe.  Alpha males never willingly become betas.

Because his other alternative was fading into the sunset as NJ's President.  If he wants to be more involved again in this aspect of a team, this is his opportunity.  He's not getting any younger.  As the link I posted states, he was made aware of what his role is going to be.

I don't know if it will be successful, but it's not great or terrible on its face.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Yes, it's hard to believe.  Alpha males never willingly become betas.

But if that's the case then why did he willingly accept this job?

 

[bustaheims]

Well, this was incredibly unexpected. His experience will certainly be an incredible asset for the team, and with his guidance, Hunter and Dubas should be well equipped to steer this team in the right direction going forward. I'm confident Lou knows this is more of a situation where he's GM mostly in title only. He'll be the guy who does the brunt of negotiations and such, but he's not going to be in charge of the direction of the team. He's either on board with Shanahan's vision or he won't be here for very long. I'm confident it's the former, not the latter. Lou's a smart man. He knows what he's getting into here.