Unfortunately, there is precedent with this team. Just look at the Snow/Lamoriello transition. I know there were timing issues involved but that whole situation couldn't have been smooth.
- PeteM

That's because Wang's parting gift to the Islanders (and their fans) was to give Snow a lengthy contract extension shortly before turning over his controlling interest in the team to L & M. The new owners, thankfully, didn't wait around for Snow's contract to expire, but instead brought in Lou as POHO who immediately installed himself as GM and put Snow in charge of fetching the coffee. Personally, I'm shocked that other teams weren't lining up to bid for Snow's services.

But I don't think the transition was all that difficult, because Lou didn't really shake up the management team (including Bridgeport) a whole lot, beyond of course canning Doug Weight. I actually wish Lou had done more.

It would be a major mistake to keep Lou around and not just for the obvious reasons of keeping Lou around. It’s admission that whoever they targeted said no. It seems to me if ownership weren’t going to re new Lou you’d think they had a plan B. It seems like they’re just flat out last minute Larrying here.
- kindlyrick

Seems to be the case if they were hoping for Gorton/Holland/Bergevin. Darche should really be the choice for GM.

Rosner also mentioned having Steve Pelligrini, who is a Lou-hire, being in-house option for the "mentor" role for a new GM. It seemed more like his own suggestion for a candidate rather than a report that he's being considered, but it's worth mentioning.
- Gabe Athaus

To me the positions should be separate.

I am very sure how I fell about him. That feeling is not good.
- Cptmjl

I would probably take Holland before I hire him.

I wholeheartedly agree with you. Fish or cut bait.

If they keep Lou on, will his rule of not allowing players be on the spittin chicklets (or other podcasts) still be valid??? Crazy
- kindlyrick

If they keep Lou on somehow you know his son is milling around somewhere also. Time to move on from these guys.

I would probably take Holland before I hire him.
- Nfdbulldawg

I would prefer neither. Either someone with an actual, bonafide, track record of success. Or a new face.

I would prefer neither. Either someone with an actual, bonafide, track record of success. Or a new face.
- Cptmjl

I agree with you. Enough with these half pregnant moves. Either you in or your out.

https://www.nhl.com/islan...player/anders-lee-8475314

I was originally going to be critical of Lee. But for a 6th round pick he has had a better career than a lot of 1st round picks.

100%.
- keaner17

With ya both!
With Bergy or another proven personality as PHO.
I think this is what we will get, fingers crossed.

He brought in some real talent and definitely didn't sit idle. I don't know how much of his struggles stemmed from Columbus not being a desirable market for players or not, but I think that was at least part of the case.

I'm not his biggest fan, but I wouldn't completely hate the hire either if they went in that direction
- Gabe Athaus

Columbus not being a desirable market has to be a factor. I'm not sure who besides Jarmo, Bergevin, and Darche the Islanders can hire? There does not seem to be the slam dunk hire available like when the Islanders hired Barry.

Columbus not being a desirable market has to be a factor. I'm not sure who besides Jarmo, Bergevin, and Darche the Islanders can hire? There does not seem to be the slam dunk hire available like when the Islanders hired Barry.
- ses111

I think we all want Darche based on his time with Tampa. If we can get him that’s the right choice imo. Would prefer a separate POH so he can focus on being GM and not get diverted into other things.

Columbus not being a desirable market has to be a factor. I'm not sure who besides Jarmo, Bergevin, and Darche the Islanders can hire? There does not seem to be the slam dunk hire available like when the Islanders hired Barry.
- ses111

There may not be a slam dunk, but you go with the Canidate that best suites the needs of the today and the future. To me that is going with a young more eager person. Someone with a fresh vision.

In this search for a POHO and GM, I am more focused on the GM side of things than I am with the President. Only because the relationship between the GM and Coaching staff needs to start now. The relationship with GM and the scouting staff needs to start now. I look at the POHO as more a figure head. The position of the GM has changed, and analytics has become such a focus, cap management has become such a focus, player drafting and development has become such a focus.

These are the major components this team needs to focus on until such time as big UFA's so not shy away from signing here. As such time as our AHL team does not resemble an ECHL team.

Collins seems to be the right person overseeing this process. I believe one of you had mentioned him overseeing the POHO position on an interim basis. Which is not a bad idea as well.

With six weeks until the draft, I would at least like to see a GM before Memorial Day. One that has been active in the league and has connections and relationships.

There may not be a slam dunk, but you go with the Canidate that best suites the needs of the today and the future. To me that is going with a young more eager person. Someone with a fresh vision.

In this search for a POHO and GM, I am more focused on the GM side of things than I am with the President. Only because the relationship between the GM and Coaching staff needs to start now. The relationship with GM and the scouting staff needs to start now. I look at the POHO as more a figure head. The position of the GM has changed, and analytics has become such a focus, cap management has become such a focus, player drafting and development has become such a focus.

These are the major components this team needs to focus on until such time as big UFA's so not shy away from signing here. As such time as our AHL team does not resemble an ECHL team.

Collins seems to be the right person overseeing this process. I believe one of you had mentioned him overseeing the POHO position on an interim basis. Which is not a bad idea as well.

With six weeks until the draft, I would at least like to see a GM before Memorial Day. One that has been active in the league and has connections and relationships.
- Nfdbulldawg

I agree. The everyday GM job is much more important. I just want a President that can support the GM and not look to take over. I'm fine with hiring Darche as GM that reports to Collins if needed. I like the idea of an older President type and younger GM. Somone like Neil Smith is 71 and has not been involved for a while is a negative, but him winning and having done the job and doing it in NY is a plus. Someone like Bergevin may want to do both job and does not have a history of winning. I sign up for Neil right now if he will only be President and a mentor type to Dasche.

I think we all want Darche based on his time with Tampa. If we can get him that’s the right choice imo. Would prefer a separate POH so he can focus on being GM and not get diverted into other things.
- Cptmjl

He is my choice

I agree. The everyday GM job is much more important. I just want a President that can support the GM and not look to take over. I'm fine with hiring Darche as GM that reports to Collins if needed. I like the idea of an older President type and younger GM. Somone like Neil Smith is 71 and has not been involved for a while is a negative, but him winning and having done the job and doing it in NY is a plus. Someone like Bergevin may want to do both job and does not have a history of winning. I sign up for Neil right now if he will only be President and a mentor type to Dasche.
- ses111

How are his connections. Neil has been on the perimeter for a long time. Yes, he has Islander roots. Maybe he would not be a bad president, but I will pass on him as a GM.

How are his connections. Neil has been on the perimeter for a long time. Yes, he has Islander roots. Maybe he would not be a bad president, but I will pass on him as a GM.
- Nfdbulldawg

Bringing in Neil Smith is somewhat of a lateral move to Lou. IMHO, they should hire Darche now, and with him pick a President who’s forte is bringing in the right people to draft and developement. Similar to a UFA they need to pay up if they want someone. You can’t offer fair value for the job of building back better. Whoever they think is the best fit….throw money and term at them.

How are his connections. Neil has been on the perimeter for a long time. Yes, he has Islander roots. Maybe he would not be a bad president, but I will pass on him as a GM.
- Nfdbulldawg

I would not want Neil as GM. Only has a president if they want someone with experience over Darche as a mentor type. I would make it clear to Neil or any other president the GM has final say on the roster. Islander owners need to be clear on what they want so there is no confusion.

Bringing in Neil Smith is somewhat of a lateral move to Lou. IMHO, they should hire Darche now, and with him pick a President who’s forte is bringing in the right people to draft and developement. Similar to a UFA they need to pay up if they want someone. You can’t offer fair value for the job of building back better. Whoever they think is the best fit….throw money and term at them.
- kindlyrick

No way I want Neil or anyone else with full power. If the Islanders want an expeireced person as president, the options may be limited. Darche would be my pick as GM. Someone like Neil after what went down the last time, might be more open to less power at this stage of his life and career and to make things right. I would at least talk to him and find it interesting his name was mentioned early in the process. I'd take Brisson, but that does not seem possible.

No way I want Neil or anyone else with full power. If the Islanders want an expeireced person as president, the options may be limited. Darche would be my pick as GM. Someone like Neil after what went down the last time, might be more open to less power at this stage of his life and career. I would at least talk to him and find it interesting his name was mentioned early in the process. I'd take Brisson, but that does not seem possible.
- ses111

Everyone’s got a price. These guys bought the isles for 485 million and it’s now worth 1.75 billion. Whoever is the best person, you make them an offer that’s hard to pass up. If it’s Jeff Gorton you wait till his contract expires and offer him 7 million a year for 5 years. Lou Lam got 5 per, and Yzerman gets 5.5 per for comps.

Everyone’s got a price. These guys bought the isles for 485 million and it’s now worth 1.75 billion. Whoever is the best person, you make them an offer that’s hard to pass up. If it’s Jeff Gorton you wait till his contract expires and offer him 7 million a year for 5 years. Lou Lam got 5 per, and Yzerman gets 5.5 per for comps.
- kindlyrick

The problem is the Islanders need someone now and cannot wait on Gorton and other teams have money as well. I'm fine with hiring a stopgap president for a couple of years while Darche gets experience. The next two years are the key for this team.

The problem is the Islanders need someone now and cannot wait on Gorton and other teams have money as well. I'm fine with hiring a stopgap president for a couple of years while Darche gets experience.
- ses111

Yeah I don’t know how much longer they will take to interview but my opinion is by next week they will have someone named. I hope whoever is named GM remembers the 2009 draft and how Hedman was the better pick. Every cup team has a Norris candidate on the backend.

The New York Islanders’ hunt for a brand new President of Hockey Operations and/or General Manager continues to slog along.

It’s been over two weeks since the team let Lou Lamoriello go. Since then, the search, led by John Collins, has forged ahead. Publicly, a lot more has leaked out about who the Islanders are targeting and what specifically New York is looking for.

In the previous 48 hours, Arthur Staple and Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic made it clear the Islanders’ top choice is Ken Holland. In addition to him, Jeff Gorton, Montreal’s President of Hockey Operations, began high on the list. However, Montreal declined to make him available.

Yesterday, Staple reported on X that Holland “believed to be a no on NYI job for now.”


So, why is that? Why would Holland turn down a chance to run another NHL Franchise?

Chris Johnston explained on SDPN’s The Chris Johnston Show today:

WHY KEN HOLLAND TURNED DOWN THE ISLANDERS:
Johnston described the interest in Ken Holland as if he’s the hottest candidate on the market. In truth, that’s how he’s being treated. That’s despite his last Stanley Cup win coming before Mark Streit signed with the Islanders and while Bill Guerin served as the Islanders’ captain. Holland’s long experience makes him attractive to teams, even if his résumé recently is nowhere near as good as the first half of his tenure as an executive.

He failed to win a Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers, despite coming agonizingly close last season. Even so, the Edmonton Oilers moved on from him. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings still have not recovered from the end of his tenure. So, a third chance running a team came knocking in the form of the Islanders. Why did he turn it down?


Johnston explains:

“I don’t know if the Islanders are going to be able to lure him there… I think he’s at the top of their list… He can be picky and choosy. I don’t think anybody looks at their roster and thinks ‘they’re ready to win in the near term.’ That doesn’t appeal to Holland.”

Ken Holland turned down the Islanders due to their current roster and overall assets, including the first overall pick. With pieces including Ilya Sorokin, Noah Dobson, Mathew Barzal, and Bo Horvat, Holland decided there’s no clear path to contention.

In essence, Holland may think he’s too good for the Islanders’ job and wants a ready-made contender. Johnston suggested the Kings, losers of four straight first rounds with their best center and best defensemen over the age of 35 as a possible landing spot for Holland.


No, the Islanders roster, as currently constructed, is not a ready-made contender. It’s possible that 2025-26 mirrors this past one, a decent team with some solid parts that ultimately misses the playoffs.

On the flip side, Barzal missed 52 games last year. Dobson had serious early-season struggles that are unlikely to duplicate themselves. Sorokin will be fully healthy from the jump. Add in Matthew Schaefer, along with a ton of cap space, there’s a path back to the playoffs if nothing else. Add in the elite prospects suddenly stockpiling, and it’s not hard to see a path back into contention in somewhat short order.

Instead, Holland turned his nose up at the Islanders. Things could still change, but at this point, it’d be surprising if Holland changed his mind again.

WHERE DO THE ISLANDERS GO FROM HERE?
So, with Holland rejecting the Islanders, what comes next? Johnston listed three candidates who started at the top of New York’s list:

“Holland, Bergevin, and Gorton were at the top.” Holland’s a no. Montreal did not allow Jeff Gorton to talk. It seems like Bergevin is a strong candidate, but Johnston inferred that Bergevin may prefer to stay in Los Angeles if he’s offered the position.

We know the Islanders plan to, or already have, interviewed Tampa Bay Lightning Assistant GM Mathieu Darche. Darche has a strong resume, but there are questions about whether the Islanders want to hire a first-time candidate.

They may not have a choice. If it’s not Holland, Gorton, or Bergevin, the list runs to Peter Chiarelli and Jarmo Kekalainen. According to Staple, Kekalainen and Chiarelli remain unlikely.

Based on the intel, it sure seems at this time that it’s Marc Bergevin, Mathieu Darche, or bust for the Islanders. It could all change in an hour, but that’s where things stand.




Pretty eye opening that Holland turned the isles down if true. Looks like LA’s roster is closer to the finish line and that’s the top choice. The isles are a mess….as it’s not just UFAs who snub them but now management. Roy must have been real hard up for a job. Lol

Yeah I don’t know how much longer they will take to interview but my opinion is by next week they will have someone named. I hope whoever is named GM remembers the 2009 draft and how Hedman was the better pick. Every cup team has a Norris candidate on the backend.
- kindlyrick

I hope it will be next week. I love the idea of finding one person as president and one as GM. Finding the right mix is tough though. I like an older person as president for the experience factor that has done the job in the past and it not looking to take over at this stage.

The New York Islanders’ hunt for a brand new President of Hockey Operations and/or General Manager continues to slog along.

It’s been over two weeks since the team let Lou Lamoriello go. Since then, the search, led by John Collins, has forged ahead. Publicly, a lot more has leaked out about who the Islanders are targeting and what specifically New York is looking for.

In the previous 48 hours, Arthur Staple and Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic made it clear the Islanders’ top choice is Ken Holland. In addition to him, Jeff Gorton, Montreal’s President of Hockey Operations, began high on the list. However, Montreal declined to make him available.

Yesterday, Staple reported on X that Holland “believed to be a no on NYI job for now.”


So, why is that? Why would Holland turn down a chance to run another NHL Franchise?

Chris Johnston explained on SDPN’s The Chris Johnston Show today:

WHY KEN HOLLAND TURNED DOWN THE ISLANDERS:
Johnston described the interest in Ken Holland as if he’s the hottest candidate on the market. In truth, that’s how he’s being treated. That’s despite his last Stanley Cup win coming before Mark Streit signed with the Islanders and while Bill Guerin served as the Islanders’ captain. Holland’s long experience makes him attractive to teams, even if his résumé recently is nowhere near as good as the first half of his tenure as an executive.

He failed to win a Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers, despite coming agonizingly close last season. Even so, the Edmonton Oilers moved on from him. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings still have not recovered from the end of his tenure. So, a third chance running a team came knocking in the form of the Islanders. Why did he turn it down?


Johnston explains:

“I don’t know if the Islanders are going to be able to lure him there… I think he’s at the top of their list… He can be picky and choosy. I don’t think anybody looks at their roster and thinks ‘they’re ready to win in the near term.’ That doesn’t appeal to Holland.”

Ken Holland turned down the Islanders due to their current roster and overall assets, including the first overall pick. With pieces including Ilya Sorokin, Noah Dobson, Mathew Barzal, and Bo Horvat, Holland decided there’s no clear path to contention.

In essence, Holland may think he’s too good for the Islanders’ job and wants a ready-made contender. Johnston suggested the Kings, losers of four straight first rounds with their best center and best defensemen over the age of 35 as a possible landing spot for Holland.


No, the Islanders roster, as currently constructed, is not a ready-made contender. It’s possible that 2025-26 mirrors this past one, a decent team with some solid parts that ultimately misses the playoffs.

On the flip side, Barzal missed 52 games last year. Dobson had serious early-season struggles that are unlikely to duplicate themselves. Sorokin will be fully healthy from the jump. Add in Matthew Schaefer, along with a ton of cap space, there’s a path back to the playoffs if nothing else. Add in the elite prospects suddenly stockpiling, and it’s not hard to see a path back into contention in somewhat short order.

Instead, Holland turned his nose up at the Islanders. Things could still change, but at this point, it’d be surprising if Holland changed his mind again.

WHERE DO THE ISLANDERS GO FROM HERE?
So, with Holland rejecting the Islanders, what comes next? Johnston listed three candidates who started at the top of New York’s list:

“Holland, Bergevin, and Gorton were at the top.” Holland’s a no. Montreal did not allow Jeff Gorton to talk. It seems like Bergevin is a strong candidate, but Johnston inferred that Bergevin may prefer to stay in Los Angeles if he’s offered the position.

We know the Islanders plan to, or already have, interviewed Tampa Bay Lightning Assistant GM Mathieu Darche. Darche has a strong resume, but there are questions about whether the Islanders want to hire a first-time candidate.

They may not have a choice. If it’s not Holland, Gorton, or Bergevin, the list runs to Peter Chiarelli and Jarmo Kekalainen. According to Staple, Kekalainen and Chiarelli remain unlikely.

Based on the intel, it sure seems at this time that it’s Marc Bergevin, Mathieu Darche, or bust for the Islanders. It could all change in an hour, but that’s where things stand.
- kindlyrick

I'm fine with no Holland and I'm thinking Bergevin will want LA. Smith and Darche then and let's get this done. At least Smith might want the job and he can handle NY, so you do not have to beg someone else.

I'm fine with no Holland and I'm thinking Bergevin will want LA. Smith and Darche then and let's get this done. At least Smith might want the job.
- ses111

Not sure where Neil smith came into play but if every other team has passed him by maybe it’s for a reason. The league (and the world) has changed. They need to get younger in every facet. I’m a little shocked that ownership had no plan in place, when they had to have internal discussions about not renewing Lou. I’m shocked because it weakens their bargaining. Everyone knows how “desperate” they are now. Not surprising the media pundits are all throwing around re treads. That’s a hard no for me. I don’t think they need the old timer who’s “been around”. They need a guy who is gonna put organization first and not just bring in old buddies to get them a paycheck.
As for Ken Holland being too good for the isles. Phuck him…..it’s just another way to spell Lou Lamoriello!