So now after 28 years, Lou Lamoriello gets to reinvent himself in Toronto the way he never could have had the freedom to do in New Jersey.
Now, after decades through which loyalty to his people on his staff within his organization was both his most endearing quality and ultimately his greatest weakness, Lamoriello starts fresh, surrounded by new people with new ideas.
There was, these past couple of months have established, nothing left for Lamoriello in New Jersey other than to act as a hood ornament and ceremonial ribbon-cutter. With Ray Shero ensconced unambiguously as the Devils’ general manager and decider, the presidency of the Devils was going to offer no satisfaction for this 72-year-old with miles to go before he sleeps.