Islanders GM: Patrick Roy Stays as Coach
- New York Islanders' new general manager,Mathieu Darche,has confirmed that Patrick Roy will remain the team's head coach.
- This past season, the Hall of Famer's team went 35-35-12 but missed the playoffs.
- The Islanders landed the top overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft, despite only having a 3.5% chance of winning the lottery.
Islanders fans, rejoice! patrick Roy will remain the team’s head coach, confirmed by new GM Mathieu Darche in his introductory press conference. Darche’s decision provides stability and solidifies the team’s leadership as they approach the upcoming NHL Draft. Moreover, Darche is hesitant to trade the team’s No.1 overall pick, signaling a strategic commitment to long-term growth, a move that excites the Islanders’ fanbase. the team is also undergoing changes to their coaching staff as assistants John MacLean and Tommy Albelin will not return. Darche, fresh from the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he won consecutive Stanley Cups, steps in to succeed Lou Lamoriello. News Directory 3 understands this pivotal moment for the Islanders. Discover what’s next as Darche shapes the islanders’ future.
Islanders GM Darche Affirms Roy’s Role,Hints at NHL Draft Plans
Updated May 29,2025
New York Islanders’ new general manager,Mathieu Darche,has confirmed that Patrick Roy will remain the team’s head coach. Darche made the declaration at his introductory press conference Thursday.
Roy, 59, took over from Lane Lambert on jan. 20, 2024, amassing a 55-47-17 record. This past season, the Hall of Famer’s team went 35-35-12 but missed the playoffs. Darche also announced that assistant coaches John MacLean and Tommy Albelin would not be returning to the Islanders’ bench.
The Islanders landed the top overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft, despite only having a 3.5% chance of winning the lottery. When questioned about potential offers for the coveted pick, Darche indicated he was unlikely to trade it.
“Someone would have to really knock my socks off to trade that pick,” Darche said regarding the NHL Draft.
Darche, 48, comes to the Islanders after six seasons as the director of hockey operations for the Tampa Bay Lightning. During his tenure, the Lightning made the playoffs each year, winning consecutive Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021 and reaching the Finals in 2022. He succeeds Lou Lamoriello, who departed the Islanders last month after seven seasons. Darche’s primary role will be to improve the team’s performance and secure a Stanley Cup.
What’s next
Darche will now focus on evaluating potential draft picks and building a team capable of competing for a Stanley Cup in the coming seasons. The future role of the islanders looks promising under his leadership.