Both the New York Rangers and Islanders had underwhelming seasons this year and when looking at the causes the front office and head men in charge have been pushed to take the blame. That blame has now manifested its way into the top names for each team losing their respective roles.
For the Islanders they announced this week that Lou Lamoriello’s contract as president and general manager would not be renewed.
Operating partner John Collins said the team will move on from Lamoriello and Collins will lead the search for their next General Manager. Lamoriello is a Hall of Famer who was named president on May 22, 2018, and then became the GM shortly after the hiring. He will be 83 years old this year and while the Isles made the playoffs in all but two of his seasons, there was a growing concern of their teams' ultimate ceiling under his leadership, especially after this year's disappointing year fraught with the same problems Isles fans have watched for years.
Coach Patrick Roy and his staff remain intact, for now.
The Rangers also made wholesale changes at the top. General Manager Chris Drury fired head coach Peter Laviolette over the holiday weekend, ending his two seasons as head man.
After playing for a Stanley Cup the Rangers looked like they gave up thus year early and missed the playoffs entirely. Assistant coach Phil Housley was also fired. Drury, along with owner James Dolan will begin their search for a new head coach shortly with current assistants Michael Peca and Dan Muse expecting to interview for the head coaching job. The season will not only be remembered for the Blue Shirts missing the playoffs but also for the team's shakeup. Forward Barclay Goodrow was put on waivers and even captain Jacob Trouba openly said he did not like the direction of the team before agreeing to waive his no-trade clause.