The New Jersey Devils are in a place of frustration right now, losers of five straight. It has many wondering about the future of GM and President Tom Fitzgerald, but it also has them thinking about the past, specifically the one former President and GM Lou Lamoriello produced in the Garden State.
Lamoriello was a legend in New Jersey, building a team from basically scratch. He took over the franchise in 1987, and the roster made its first playoff appearance in 1988. He built the foundation for three Stanley Cup champions despite having three different coaching staffs.
Lamoriello was known around the league as the Godfather of NHL GMs. He had an aura about him that felt similar to a mobster. He was notoriously tight lipped, and he made sure nobody on his team was leaking information. If he found out someone was giving up the goose, they got whacked. Well, metaphorically.
So it only made sense that the most popular TV show ever, centered on and filmed in New Jersey, wanted to bring the legendary decision-maker on the show. Lamoriello apparently had a role on The Sopranos in the bag, but some scheduling conflicts changed his plans.
Lamoriello spoke with super agent Allen Walsh and Steve Dangle Network Podcast’s Adam Wylde this weekend. It was one of the first interviews he gave since parting ways with the New York Islanders. Obviously, they talked a lot of hockey, but the most interesting anecdote was why he turned down the role in The Sopranos.
🎙️AGENT PROVOCATEUR! 🎙️
— Allan Walsh🏒 (@walsha) December 7, 2025
We are joined by legendary Hockey Hall of Famer Lou Lamoriello in an interview unlike any he has ever done before. High School math teacher, steakhouse owner, baseball player and manager, the Sopranos and more!
Watch here ➡️ https://t.co/p8Pw2bOZmh pic.twitter.com/nPrqUaOA7k
For those who didn't watch The Sopranos, the Bada Bing was the famous gentleman's club featured in the show. Lamoriello didn't want to be seen on TV as one of the establishment's clientelle, so he said no to David Chase, something that didn't happen very often in the early 2000s. However, Lamoriello always went by the beat of his own drum.
Now at 82 years old, Lamoriello is probably out of major hockey jobs, but he can still do a very interesting media tour. If he’s giving up the info on The Sopranos, who knows what else he’ll say.