Lou Lamorriello makes powerful statement in first comments as Leafs GM.

When the announcement of Lou Lamoriello taking over as Maple Leafs GM was first made this morning the reactions around the league could not have been more mixed. Some lauded the move while others downright hated it.

With that in mind Lamoriello likely knew he had to get off to a good start and his first comments as general manage of the Leafs could not have been more poignant. While "changing the culture" is often an overused term in hockey it's clear that Lamoriello intends to do just that.

“We are trying to create [an environment] where the players are willing to give up their own identity for that logo on the front,” said Lamoriello as per Pro Hockey Talk's Mike Halford. “Never mixing what’s on the back of the jersey with what’s on the front — that has to be transmitted to each and every player, no matter what their abilities are.

“Success doesn’t come unless each and every one of these individuals are committed to each other.”

Lamoriello's comments leave no doubt that he's been brought in to help adjust some of the ego's in the Maple Leafs locker room, many consider the Leaf's meltdown last season as one of the more embarrassing moments in franchise history.

With leadership like Brendan Shanahan, Mike Babcock and now Lou Lamoriello on board the Leafs have given themselves the best possible chance to truly change the culture, and the public's perception of their franchise.

[pub]