Special deal:Leafs Value Lambert’s Coaching Discipline and Accountability…
What attracted the Leafs most about Lambert was his history of coaching disciplined, defensively solid teams. He was on Barry Trotz’s coaching staff in Washington when the Capitals won the championship in 2018, and then followed Trotz to Long Island, where he helped the Islanders reach the Eastern Conference final in back-to-back seasons. Lambert also assisted Trotz during his three seasons in Nashville.
Another factor in Lambert’s favor is his similarity to Berube, who was hired partly for his reputation of being straightforward and holding players accountable.
“(Lambert’s) pretty black and white. That’s how he was with the players,” said Toronto Marlies coach John Gruden, who worked with Lambert at the Islanders.
Among Lambert’s responsibilities with the Islanders was scouting the opposition, a role in which Gruden thought he excelled.
