The Toronto Maple Leafs have not had significant negotiations with general manager Lou Lamoriello on a new contract, as of the beginning of this week, according to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos.
“The feeling is the Leafs want to focus on the team when it comes to wins and losses, and getting better. Where this leads, we’re not sure,” Kypreos said during Saturday’s Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada.
“I’m certainly not here to suggest that Lou Lamoriello will not sign … but I will tell you that the longer he goes without us hearing about an announcement, the more speculation [media] will have.”
The 75-year-old Lamoriello, who joined the Maple Leafs in July 2015, after a long stint with the New Jersey Devils that produced three Stanley Cup championships, is in the final year of his contract.
“It’s probably the most intriguing decision around the Leafs right now,” said Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston, who listed assistant GMs Kyle Dubas and Mark Hunter as candidates who’ve been speculated as replacements.
St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong and Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland are also on expiring contracts and have not progressed in negotiations, Kypreos noted.
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