from Chris Johnston of Sportsnet,

The most intriguing impending free-agent season for any member of the Toronto Maple Leafs arguably belongs to the man in the big chair.

Lou Lamoriello found himself in the final year of his contract as the team opened training camp on Thursday morning after going through the off-season without receiving an extension, sources tell Sportsnet.

The veteran general manager remains on the original three-year deal he signed with Toronto in the summer of 2015. His future, and a potential front-office succession plan, could become a significant subplot around the team in the months ahead.

Of course, the Leafs and Lamoriello will do whatever they can to keep it a footnote.

Senior members of the organization generally refuse to discuss their contracts as a matter of course. In fact, there’s no guarantee a public announcement would even accompany a new deal at the executive level – although sources insist that hasn’t happened with Lamoriello to date.

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