May 15, 2025 | 4:00pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

ISLANDERS CONTINUE GM SEARCH

Lightning Assistant GM Mathieu Darche

The New York Islanders have been knocking out interviews this week with candidates for their vacant General Manager position, as well as a potential President of Hockey Operations role.

As TFP’s David Pagnotta was first to report earlier this month, Tampa Bay Lightning Assistant GM Mathieu Darche is in the running for the GM job with the Islanders, but he isn’t the lone candidate.

Former Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen and former Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin are also in the running for, presumably, the GM gig on the Island.

In his weekly appearance on The Powerplay on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio with Steve Kouleas on Wednesday, Pagnotta also reported the Islanders have a few additional candidates they have at least considered internally that currently hold AGM roles with other clubs. It is unclear, however, whom the Isles have spoken with.

The Islanders expressed interest in Montreal Canadiens President Jeff Gorton, and while they did seek permission to speak with him, the Habs notified them that Gorton is not interested in a move.

Ken Holland, whom the Los Angeles Kings named as with Vice President and GM on Wednesday, was also under consideration for a President role with the Islanders.

Whoever is brought in as GM will ultimately determine the fate of Head Coach Patrick Roy, who has one year remaining on his current contract before his multi-year extension kicks in after the 2025-26 season.