As successful as 72-year-old Lamoriello has been through the duration of his NHL career, he decided to pursue an opportunity that presented a “different challenge.”

Lou Lamoriello has resigned as president of the New Jersey Devils to become the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, effectively ending a 28-year run with the organization. Lamoriello, who recently stepped aside as the Devils GM for his successor Ray Shero, leaves the club after three Stanley Cup championships and 21 playoff appearances.

“I can assure you it was not an easy decision for a lot of different reasons,” Lamoriello said at a news conference. “I’ve always said anything easy isn’t worth it; anybody can do it.”

Lamoriello took out a full page ad in the Bergen Record to thank the fans for their dedication to the organization.