Lamoriello on rebuilding Maple Leafs: 'It's going to take some patience'

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello knows instant gratification isn't likely coming in his new role.

"It's going to take some patience," Lamoriello told reporters at his introductory news conference Thursday. "It's not something that's going to happen overnight. I'm committed to that."

The 72-year-old was named the 16th GM in Leafs history Thursday morning, signing a three-year deal.

"I'm excited. I don't know any other way to put it," he said.

The new GM said he has full autonomy but will report to team president Brendan Shanahan.

"If I want anyone recruited to go anywhere, I'm sending Brendan," Lamoriello said.

He expects assistant GM Kyle Dubas to succeed him as GM.

"If that doesn't happen, it's his fault," Lamoriello said.

Shanahan expressed his gratitude to the New Jersey Devils, who employed Lamoriello for nearly three decades before he resigned as president to take the Leafs' GM role.

"I want to thank them for the class they've shown through this entire process," Shanahan said.

Lamoriello spent 28 years with New Jersey, becoming the team's first GM in 1987 and guiding them to three Stanley Cups.

Shanahan said Lamoriello will have a positive influence on the rest of the front office.

"Having Lou in the organization is an opportunity to have him mentor us all."

The Leafs finished fourth-worst in the NHL last season at 30-44-8.