The Toronto Maple Leafs new general manager is speaking highly of his young protégé.
The Maple Leafs announced the hiring of Lou Lamoriello on Thursday to become the new general manager of the team and the long-time fixture in National Hockey League circles spoke highly of his new assistant.
Lamoriello joins former Soo Greyhounds general manager Kyle Dubas in Toronto. Dubas will serve as Lormiello’s assistant.
“I think he’s a young fellow who has tremendous abilities,” Lamoriello told reporters on Thursday. “I know of his background. If he doesn’t become general manager here, and I’m not going to be here for a lifetime, it’s his fault.”
Lamoriello joins the Maple Leafs after serving as the president of hockey operations and general manager of the New Jersey Devils from 1987 to Thursday when he announced his resignation to join the Maple Leafs.
The 72-year-old held the general manager role in New Jersey until May 4 when the Devils hired Ray Shero to take over the position with the Devils and ultimately led to Lamoriello’s decision to step down as president as well.
Lamoriello helped the Devils to three Stanley Cups (1995, 2000 and 2003).
(File photo. Kenneth Armstrong/SooToday)