New York Islanders GM Mattieu Darsche Holds Introductory Press Conference
Mattieu Darsche was hired as the General Manager of the New York Islanders, replacing Lou Lamoriello, the 83-year-old Hockey Hall of Fame General Manager of the New York Islanders, on April 22. Mattieu Darsche held an introductory Press Conference today at 10:30 at the home of the Islanders, UBS Arena.
Mattieu Darsche did say a few interesting things in his introductory press conference, which are listed here. The Islanders have the first overall draft pick in the June draft. Do you think Mattieu Darsche will turn the Islanders around?
Key Insights From Mattieu Darsche’s Introductory Press Conference
First, Mattieu Darsche said Patrick Roy will remain the coach of the New York Islanders. That is a little surprising because the Islanders missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs, finishing nine points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference.
The Islanders were 31st on the power play (12.6 %) and the penalty kill (72.2 %), and lost 12 games in overtime or a shootout and 20 one-goal games. Their 26 power-play goals were last, but their 8 short-handed goals allowed were tied for the fifth-most. In short, it was a long season on Long Island, and Mattieu Darsche has his work cut out for him.
Roy’s first full season at the helm concluded with a 35-35-12 record, leaving the Islanders out of playoff contention. Despite the team’s struggles, including injuries to key players and internal tensions, highlighted by Roy’s public criticism of Forward Anthony Duclair which led to Duclair stepping away from the team.
Darche has chosen to retain Roy, who reportedly has three years left on the contract signed by Lamoriello. The Duclair struggle was noteworthy. Duclar came to the Islanders, in part, because Roy was his coach in juniors. With Roy coming back, given the tension, it is reasonable for fans to wonder what will become of the star.
Other Insights
Second, Mattieu Darche, right after announcing that Roy would stay, announced the departure of two assistant coaches, John MacLean and Tommy Albelin. These moves make sense as the Islanders’ power play and penalty kill were terrible last season. Matthieu Darche also said Benoit Desrosiers will stay on. He was the only assistant Roy hired.
Third, Matthieu Darche announced the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League would have a new coaching staff. They won only four home games all season, the worst home record in league history, so something needs to change. Lamoriello traded first-round picks for four consecutive seasons, which is part of the reason why they were terrible. That change thankfully also comes with a new head of hockey operations.
Mattieu Darche is 48 years old. He has served as the director of hockey operations for the Tampa Bay Lightning for the past six seasons. The Lightning qualified for the playoffs in every year of that period, including winning consecutive Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021 and appearing in the Finals in 2022.
Conclusion
Islanders fans are hopeful as a new era begins. In 2023, the farm system was ranked last in the National Hockey League. In 2024, the Islanders’ American Hockey League affiliate won four games. However, things are turning around on Long Island.
The Islanders have the first overall draft pick in the June draft. They have two first-round picks in the 2025 draft. Plus, they have a couple of great prospects. Mattieu Darsche has to contend with several bad contracts and an aging roster, but help is on the way.
