Lou Lamoriello's tenure as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, from 2015 to 2018, is viewed with a mix of fondness and critical analysis by Leafs fans. While he brought a sense of stability and oversaw a significant rebuild, questions linger about whether his impact was truly as transformative as some remember.

When Lamoriello joined the Maple Leafs on July 23, 2015, the team was in a state of disarray. He was brought in to instill discipline and guide a rebuild centered around young talent. His experience was undeniable, having spent 28 seasons as the general manager of the New Jersey Devils, where he won three Stanley Cups.

During his three years in Toronto, Lamoriello successfully steered the team towards respectability. The Maple Leafs improved their regular-season point totals each year under his leadership, from 69 in his first season to a franchise-record 105 in his final season. A significant achievement was winning the 2016 NHL Draft Lottery, which allowed the team to select Auston Matthews with the first overall pick, a cornerstone player for years to come. The Leafs also made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

However, the team's playoff success was limited, failing to advance beyond the first round in both appearances. Some fans and analysts point to this as a shortcoming, arguing that Lamoriello's conservative approach and reluctance to make bold moves hindered the team's ability to contend for a Stanley Cup.

Lamoriello's departure from the Maple Leafs was part of a pre-arranged plan. When he was hired, he and team president Brendan Shanahan agreed that he would serve as general manager for three years before transitioning to a senior advisory role. While some speculated that Lamoriello might stay on as GM, Shanahan honored the original agreement.

Ultimately, evaluating Lou Lamoriello's tenure with the Maple Leafs requires considering both his successes and limitations. He brought stability, oversaw a crucial rebuild, and drafted a franchise player in Auston Matthews. However, the lack of playoff success and questions about his roster management decisions leave room for debate about the true extent of his positive impact. Whether he was "as good as Maple Leafs fans remember" depends on individual expectations and the weight given to different aspects of his time with the team.