Looking back: Maple Leafs general managers through modern era

The surprising hire of Lou Lamoriello as the Toronto Maple Leafs' general manager was unforeseen, which is highly unusual in the rumor-fueled realm of modern sports. It seems as though the storied hockey executive is already exuding his low-key demeanor before even manning the position.

Given the new hire, here's a look at all of the Leafs' general managers during the modern era.

Cliff Fletcher, 1991-97

• In his first stint, Fletcher acted as the Leafs' chief operating officer, president, and general manager. In 1992, Fletcher made a huge move, acquiring Doug Gilmour and Ric Nattress in a 10-player trade with the Calgary Flames. Fletcher also hired the great Pat Burns as head coach of the team the same year, and the team reached the postseason five times before Fletcher retired.

Ken Dryden, 1997-99

• As president of the club in 1997, Dryden searched for a prime general manager candidate only to appoint the position to himself for a short time. The Hall of Fame inductee expressed interest in naming Bob Gainey the potential manager, however Pat Quinn's early heroics as head coach changed that.

Pat Quinn, 1999-2003

• The Blue and White's best group of seasons in most recent memory, were while Pat Quinn was with the organization. As general manager, Quinn brought the team to the postseason four times. Trades Quinn made include acquiring Owen Nolan for Brad Boyes, Alyn McCauley, and a 2003 first-round pick (Mark Stuart); moving center Adam Mair and a 2001 second-round pick (later became Mike Cammalleri) to the Los Angeles Kings for defender Aki Berg. Quinn also brought in Bryan McCabe and Darcy Tucker in separate deals.

John Ferguson Jr., 2003-08

• Ferguson Jr. became the 12th Maple Leafs general manager on Aug. 29, 2003. Ferguson's moves include firing head coach and former general manager Pat Quinn, trading for aging defenseman Brian Leetch, as well as signing Michael Peca and Jason Blake. Possibly the biggest miss during his tenure was trading current stud keeper Tuukka Rask for Andrew Raycroft, in addition to trading a 2007 first-rounder (later becoming Lars Eller), second-rounder (Aaron Palushaj), and 2009 fourth-round pick (Craig Smith) to the San Jose Sharks for goaltender Vesa Toskala and Mark Bell.

Cliff Fletcher (Interim), 2008

• In his second stint as general manager, Fletcher only manned the position for six months, but still managed to get some offseason work done. He waived Andrew Raycroft, bought out Kyle Wellwood, and heart-grit-and-soul right winger Darcy Tucker; signed Curtis Joseph and Niklas Hagman, and traded for Montreal center Mikhail Grabovski. Fletcher was replaced by Burke on Nov. 29, 2008.

Brian Burke, 2008-13

• Burke and his notorious mandate of toughness was heard league-wide, and the results of his moves weren't fully felt until he was already replaced by Nonis. Burke acquired Phil Kessel from the Boston Bruins for two first-round draft picks and a second (the firsts later became superstars Tyler Seguin and Dougie Hamilton). He brought in James van Riemsdyk for Luke Schenn, extended head coach Ron Wilson, and pink-slipped him three months later, then introduced head coach Randy Carlyle. The current Calgary Flames' president of hockey operations also drafted Nazem Kadri seventh overall at the 2009 NHL Draft.

Dave Nonis, 2013-15

• Remembered mostly for extending the big names to big contracts, which the franchise is now challenged to force out the door in favor of a rebuild. Contract extensions include Dion Phaneuf (seven years, $49 million) and Phil Kessel (eight years, $64 million). Tyler Bozak, Joffrey Lupul and the infamous gift to David Clarkson (seven years, $36.75 million), which Nonis did alleviate by trading for the injury-stricken Nathan Horton, also remain fresh in memory. The two-year general manager did, however, get the club to the playoffs in 2013 for the first time since 2004.

Lou Lamoriello, 2015

• A 28-year tenure with the New Jersey Devils that included three Stanley Cups during that time, made it seem as though Lamoriello would remain a Devil for eternity. The hockey historian has other plans, however, and is expected to influence the philosophy of a young franchise, both within management and player personnel. Lamoriello was known as having a hand in introducing the analytics phenomenon in New Jersey when it was still in its infancy, so surely he has no problem with going forward and adhering with Kyle Dubas's somewhat progressive ideals, in addition to those of his own.