The New York Islanders announced that Garth Snow and Doug Weight have been relieved of their duties, with Lou Lamoriello set to become the team’s next general manager. What does this mean for John Tavares?
At long last, the New York Islanders have made a dynamic decision about the future of the team.
And it’s one that could have huge and lasting implications.
As per an official announcement on Tuesday morning, the organization has opted to relieve Garth Snow and Doug Weight of their respective duties as general manager and head coach of the franchise.
Replacing the aforementioned Snow will be the team’s new President of Hockey Operations, Lou Lamoriello. As a former GM of both the New Jersey Devils and the Toronto Maple Leafs, “Loophole Lou” is no stranger to situations of this nature. The veteran negotiator has overseen some of the most impressive rebuilding endeavors in the history of contemporary sport — the likes of which have resulted in former sleepers being swiftly translated into legitimate contenders in a matter of seasons.
As it stands, both Snow and Weight are expected to remain with the organization. In a PR statement, Lamoriello expressed his thanks to the previous administration: “The New York Islanders would like to thank both Garth and Doug for their dedication to the franchise…. Both started their tenures with the franchise as players and grew as tremendous leaders to the positions they held.”
While the move does not come as much of a surprise to the hockey world — Isles fans, after all, can attest to the fact that Snow’s departure is long overdue — its implications will take effect immediately. And although Lamoriello’s agenda shall be centered on the prospect of finding a new Head Coach, the talk circuit of hockey media will almost definitely obsess over one recurring question: what of the future of captain John Tavares?
It’s no secret that Tavares’ name was expected to be among the most circulated over the course of the summer. The veteran center is, without question, the most desired UFA among the 2018 class. But could this particular shakeup jeopardize the Isles’ chances of keeping their most prized possession?
The world of Twitter — and that of pundits — seems to be divided on the matter. Some argue that Lamoriello’s penchant for restructuring is exactly what the 27-year-old needs — radical change, that is, which ultimately gestures to the birth of a culture of winning ways. It’s also known that the 75-year-old has made re-signing the forward his top priority.
For others, the firing of Weight will not come without its drawbacks. It’s no secret that he and Tavares were particularly close, as individuals associated with the franchise continue to maintain that the team’s superstar was undeniably committed to a future with his head coach.
Whatever the consequences are to be, the Isles, at long last, can bid farewell to an especially underwhelming chapter in the club’s history. With Lamoriello set to pilot the organization, fans can celebrate an opportunity to start anew.
Whether their captain shall operate under Lamoriello’s watch, however, will form the subject of many a debate in the days to come.
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