How Much Longer Does Darcy Regier Have
By Tim Redinger
Lou Lamoriello – New Jersey Devils (1987)
Lou has been at the helm of the New Jersey Devils almost my entire life – and has always been a part of New Jersey Devils hockey since I have watched and remembered the sport. He is – in hockey terms the “all star” of this group of general managers that have been with their team since at least 1997.
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Lamoriello is a member of the hockey hall of fame in the builders category. He was also inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012. Old Lou has three Stanley Cup rings to his credit, in 1995, 2000 and 2003. Mr. Lamoriello has also won a Gold medal as general manager for Team USA in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, and put together the team for the 1998 Winter Olympics.
He was a key part of bringing to an end the 2004-2005 lockout – the first time the NHL lost a full season.
Brian Burke will speak highly of Lamoriello:
"“Lou’s a model for our business. This is not just the best run franchise in the NHL, its the best run franchise in pro sports.”"
Lamoriello has found great success at uncovering past over talent in the draft, and building his teams with the right talent.
Since taking the reins of the New Jersey Devils, he has put together teams that consistently dominate the regular season, making the playoffs every year except four, and never for more than one season at a time. He has put together nine division championship teams, and five conference championship teams.
Lou has had 14 head coaches serve under him, with three different head coaches leading the team to Stanley Cups (Jacques Lemaire, Larry Robinson, and Pat Burns). Success year in and year out with his franchise has cemented Lou Lamoriello in New Jersey Devils history and in on going operations for the rest of his career.
Lamoriello was named team president in April of 1987 – and named himself the general manager of the team, with zero experience in the National Hockey League as a player, coach or executive. How’s that working out for you Lou?
“I don’t often name myself general manager, but when I do – we build champions.” Of course Lou would never say that – but you know the drill.