Losing the Magic Touch

Has NHL Hall of Fame General Manager Lou Lamoriello of the New Jersey Devils lost his magic touch on seemingly making all the right moves?

Whenever the Devils has needed a shake up, Lou has always been there to do what is needed whether it be through a trade, free agency or the draft. But he doesn't do it the way most of the other executives do it. Lou doesn't go after the big names or what the hot pick is, he does what's best for the team, making the small, but right moves.

This is why I have been questioning some of Lou's most recent moves. At the time I praised Lou for bringing in Ilya Kovalchuk to the Devils from the Atlanta Thrashers. However, even though Kovalchuk brought an added energy whenever he was on the ice, more than ever did the Devils look less like a team united. If they do resigned Kovalchuk, new head coach John MacLain will have to implent a team attitude into Kovalchuk who at many times seemed to lose that attitude last season.

Then this past week the Devils announced another shocking move, signing free agent Jason Arnott. The 35 year old will be returning back to where he last lifted Lord Stanley's Cup, but Arnott is clearly not in the prime of his career. Will this be another Bobby Holik or Brendan Shanahan move? Bringing back a former Devil in the tail end of his career for a one or two season last, not-so hurrah.

I mean, what happened to not resigning John Madden when he was a free agent because he was too old and wanted too much money? And then going and signing Robby Niedermayer. Wouldn't you rather see Lou signing players who have more then one or two seasons worth left in the tank? There are names out there like Rene Bourque or Steve Ott on the free agent list. So why pick 35 year old Jason Arnott over those guys?

It seems like the only right move Lou has made in a while was naming John MacLean head coach, who I thought deserved the job going into last season. At least the Devils have a coach who can stay with the team for years to come and know what it takes to win.

For now there is plenty of off-season still to come and most definitely more questionable moves.