NHL Rumors: Islanders, Penguins and Maple Leafs
Steve Yzerman to the New York Rangers?
On the New York Islanders …

Amar Basi: Bob McKenzie said on Monday that the Islanders have spoken with Dean Lombardi several times, but he won’t be offered a position.

Amar Basi: Bob McKenzie said that Lou Lamoriello would likely take another GM position or a job running hockey operations if it came up. McKenzie mentions the Islanders rumors and that Lou’s son works for the Islanders.

Amar Basi: McKenzie said that the Islanders could go one of two ways. 1. Move Garth Snow up and hire a new GM to work under him. 2. The reverse: Keep Snow as GM and hire someone new to work above him.

Arthur Staple: We’ll see what Islanders owners Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky decide to do now that Lou Lamoriello is no longer the Maple Leafs GM. It does make sense for the Islanders given his close relationship with GM Garth Snow and other “former Lamoriello people” in the Islanders organization.

Chris Botta: “It’s good that Lou L is sort of a free agent. ownership should speak with him. Great man, hockey exec. But if Lou doesn’t work out, it’s okay. What NYI need most is a completely fresh voice who can clean up the Snow mess and lead the franchise for a long time.”

On the Pittsburgh Penguins …

John Yohe: Wouldn’t be a surprise if Ron Francis ended up working for the Penguins at some point. Francis is close with Mario Lemieux and GM Jim Rutherford.

On the Toronto Maple Leafs …

Jimmy Murphy: Had been hearing some talk on Monday that Brendan Shanahan could try to lure Lightning GM Steve Yzerman to the be Maple Leafs next GM. Would be unlikely that it would happen but Shanahan bringing in Lou Lamoriello surprised people.

Jimmy Murphy: Can’t see Yzerman wanting to leave the Lightning unless it was to head back to Detroit.