"It would be a tremendous understatement to say that this was not an easy decision to make," Lamoriello said in a phone conference with media after Monday's announcement. "Unfortunately, it is my role to make the best decisions for the organization going forward. And I believe that this group of players needs a new voice. And this in no way is anything negative on Barry Trotz, who as each and every one of you knows, if you've had the opportunity to meet him, is a tremendous human being."
Lamoriello did not go into detail about the reasoning for his decision, but said it was not a decision made in haste. Lamoriello said all of the circumstances from a whacky 2021-22 season were taken into consideration and the decision was not just based primarily on this season.
"I'd rather not get into any of the reasons because that's my job upon the information that I have and I experienced to make these types of decisions," Lamoriello said.
Under Trotz, the Islanders were 152-102-34 in 288 regular season games and qualified for the playoffs three times.
"I think the record over these past four years speaks for itself as far as what Barry has done and we are very much appreciative to that I certainly am personally and professionally," Lamoriello said. "These type of decisions are made for going forward, not for [looking] back, and I think that with this group we have - and they are on notice right now - that the new voice is what's necessary for us to have success in, in my opinion."
Lamoriello said he will always have a "tremendous personal relationship" with Trotz.
"This is certainly a business decision as far as hockey and winning," Lamoriello said.
Lamoriello said the Islanders assistant coaches - Associate Coach Lane Lambert, Assistant Coaches John Gruden and Jim Hiller, Director of Goaltending Mitch Korn and Goaltending Coach Piero Greco - are all still under contract for next year.
The Islanders President and General Manager said he has no timetable for hiring a new coach.
