The Toronto Maple Leafs have hired longtime NHL executive Lou Lamoriello as general manager.

Lamoriello resigned as New Jersey Devils president to take the job. Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan said Thursday he wanted NHL experience, and he got almost three decades of it in Lamoriello.

The 72-year-old Lamoriello stepped down as Devils general manager this summer when the team hired Ray Shero. New Jersey won three Stanley Cups during Lamoriello's stay.

This marks the second major off season hire for the Maple Leafs who landed prized head coach Mike Babcock to a reported $50 million contract. It is the single highest contract given to a head coach in NHL history.

The Maple Leafs fired general manager Dave Nonis after missing the playoffs for the second straight season.

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