New Jersey Devils President Lou Lamoriello resigned as president of the team Thursday to take a job with another NHL team.

The Toronto Maple Leafs hired the longtime NHL executive as their new general manager. Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan said Thursday that he wanted NHL experience, and he got almost three decades of it in Lamoriello.

Lamoriello stepped down as the Devils general manager early this summer because he said he wanted to focus on his duties as president. Ray Shero was then hired as general manager of the team.

Lamoriello released a statement about his resignation that said in part, "I have worked with Hall of Fame coaches and players and a great staff. All of whom contributed to our success. In the end, it's about the people which makes this decision so difficult."

The Maple Leafs fired general manager Dave Nonis after missing the playoffs for the second straight season.

The Devils won three Stanley Cups during Lamoriello's tenure.

The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.