Thanks to social media, nothing is a secret anymore. That is what makes today’s announcement that Lou Lamoriello, the NHL‘s  longest reigning GM, would be stepping down from his post with the New Jersey Devils to give the job to former Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero.

This seems like a no-brainer. Lamoriello has been criticized in recent years for his inability to put a playoff team on the ice. While some of it wasn’t his fault, there were some bad decisions, especially in the draft. The draft is a point of contention for Shero as well, but their minds can work the flaws out together.

The new owners for the Devils want a winner. They have missed the playoffs for three straight seasons for the first time since their first playoff appearance. Shero said in an interview that the focus needs to be on scoring more goals. That never seemed to be the focus of “Devils hockey.” The goal was to stop the opponent from scoring, and that is how they won three Stanley Cups. This is just a different NHL. Scoring is a bigger priority than it has ever been. The Devils are currently behind the eight-ball.

The good thing is that they can focus on offense this offseason. They have their goalie of the present and future in place with signing a six-year deal prior to the season. Adam Henrique is locked up as well. They brought in Mike Cammalleri on what is starting to look like a bargain contract. They have one of the youngest defensive corps in hockey. They have a good bottom six if they can re-sign some key guys. This team only needs top-end scoring.

Between the sixth overall pick in a very good draft to a plethora of young defensive talent, this team has enough to bring in a superstar if they can find the right trade partner.

Lamoriello is 73 years old. His time in sports is coming to an end soon enough. He will stay on as team president, so he will still be in charge. His many connections that have netted him some of the best trades in history will still be there. Shero will add his own style to running the Devils. This is a win-win for the franchise.

In his time with the Penguins, Shero found a way to re-sign both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to long-term deals. He traded for Marian Hossa, Jarome Iginla and a host of other stars who helped his team grow.

Shero has some of the biggest shoes to fill in sports — all he has to do is walk down the hallway from his office and be reminded. He will be expected to make a huge impact right away. Devils fans are sick of deciding whether to watch the New York Rangers or Minnesota Wild this time of the year. They want to be in the playoffs. It will be up to Lamoriello and Shero, and whoever they hire to coach this team, to make that happen.

• Teams in this article »
• New Jersey Devils