Lamoriello's comments following the Bo Horvat signing were disrespectful to Horvat and prove that it's time for Lamoriello to move on
Following the conclusion of the All-Star festivities this weekend, New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello wasted no time in getting his newly acquired center, Bo Horvat, inked to a lengthy contract extension, ensuring that he would not make it to unrestricted free agency this summer.
Lost in all of the buzz surrounding the signing and the attempt to withhold the terms of the deal (which were eventually discovered anyway by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, who reported that the 8-year extension would carry an $8.5M AAV), were Lamoriello's comments about the deal itself, calling it "too long" and for "too much money".
Following these comments, I think most were awaiting some laughter, indicating that it was a joke, but Lamoriello doubled down on his comments and affirming that they were his honest feelings. Granted, Horvat got his deal done, but when the first thing your GM does is subtly eviscerate you to the media right after, that sure mustn't feel like a vote of confidence from your boss.
Lamoriello is one of the most legendary general managers in NHL history, so this isn't to take anything away from his career, but his best days are most certainly behind him. The NHL is not what it once was. Not only has the game itself changed, but the market has changed as well. Players - especially centers - are worth a lot more than they used to be and there's no question that Horvat would have exceeded his $8.5M AAV had he gone to the open market. Also, there's a certain degree of respect that needs to be maintained following the completion of a contract signing. For Lou to have come out immediately after the deal and essentially tell his newly signed player that he wasn't worth the money he spent on him before he has even played a game for the Isles is not only unprofessional, but disrespectful as well.
If Lamoriello's affinity for overpaying complementary pieces wasn't already enough of a red flag, his reaction to signing one of the most coveted pending UFA's on the market is a pretty good indicator that it may be long overdue to get a younger voice in that position on Long Island - one who is a little more suited for the modern game and the modern market.
| POLL | ||
6 FEVRIER | 258 ANSWERS Lamoriello's comments following the Bo Horvat signing were disrespectful to Horvat and prove that it's time for Lamoriello to move on Do you think it's time for Lamoriello to retire? | ||
| Yes | 153 | 59.3 % |
| No | 40 | 15.5 % |
| He should have retired a decade ago | 65 | 25.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
