Lou Lamoriello becoming the Toronto Maple Leafs’ new GM wasn’t just a surprise to New Jersey Devils fans. Executives didn’t see it coming, either.
Principal owner Josh Harris told the press that he found out “very recently” that Lamoriello wasn’t happy about a power-sharing situation with new GM Ray Shero.
“When you’re used to having absolute control of an organization... it was a different situation,” Harris said of Lamoriello, according to the Newark Star-Ledger’s Rich Chere.
Shero is the new sheriff in town
Speaking of absolute power, it sounds like Shero will clearly be the man in charge, rather than dealing with more of a transition with Lamoriello as president. Harris said that he doesn’t feel the need to hire a new team president after this stunning departure.
Josh Harris says no plans to hire a new team president at this point.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) July 23, 2015
Shero admitted that he was “surprised” that Lamoriello left for Toronto.
Shero on Lamoriello departure: "This was never on my radar."
— Rich Chere (@Ledger_NJDevils) July 23, 2015
What’s next for New Jersey?
While Harris made the typical overtures about the team being willing to spend, it indeed sounds like the franchise may play it tight and rebuild:
Shero: "Right now we should not be spending to the (salary) cap."
— Rich Chere (@Ledger_NJDevils) July 23, 2015
Shero: "If Josh and David asked me do I want to spend to the cap, I'd say no."
— Rich Chere (@Ledger_NJDevils) July 23, 2015
As far as team-building goes, this is quite clearly Shero’s unquestioned regime now, but some other executive matters may be a collective effort.
Harris, Blitzer, Scott O'Neil and Shero will represent Devils at board of governors meetings.
— Rich Chere (@Ledger_NJDevils) July 23, 2015
Harris admits that he’ll miss Lamoriello, yet maybe pictures like these provide a decent argument that it might be best for everyone to remove such a looming, overwhelming presence. At least if they want to make some changes: