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
- kindlyrick

I want the Islanders to get young as well and that is where Darche comes into play. I'm not sure you want Darche being alone though. Maybe Neil was not looking for something before this. I liked how he called out Lou for his lack of moves in the summer and I like he still seems to care about the Islanders. If the President is going to be a mentor type that will let the young GM do his thing, that is all you need.

Holland won based on others work. He seems very overrated to me.

I want the Islanders to get young as well and that is where Darche comes into play. I'm not sure you want Darche being alone though. Maybe Neil was not looking for something before this. I liked how he called out Lou for his lack of moves in the summer and I like he still seems to care about the Islanders. If the President is going to be a mentor type that will let the young GM do his thing, that is all you need.
- ses111

The lack of moves at the deadline is head scratching. Any picks or prospects could be used to shape this team. What would you rather have Palmieri and JGP or the opportunity to get the 4th overall this year and draft Hagens (who plays with Eiserman). What am I missing here???
7 years later and Lou left them with such an underwhelming roster and prospect pool that another old timer GM thumbed his nose.

The lack of moves at the deadline is head scratching. Any picks or prospects could be used to shape this team. What would you rather have Palmieri and JGP or the opportunity to get the 4th overall this year and draft Hagens (who plays with Eiserman). What am I missing here???
7 years later and Lou left them with such an underwhelming roster and prospect pool that another old timer thumbed his nose.
- kindlyrick

Owners should have ordered Lou to make more trades at the deadline. Reports are Malkin wanted Lou replaced midseason. They should have made the move then and would have been way ahead of the game.

Owners should have ordered Lou to make more trades at the deadline. Reports are Malkin wanted Lou replaced midseason. They should have made the move then and would have been way ahead of the game.
- ses111

Yeah I read the same. It’s also why I’m shocked that they’re searching for his replacement. Those talks went on mid season and they’re now first interviewing.
Also shocking was Lou’s reasoning for not breaking it all up was them being in the race. This roster was NEVER beating the leagues elite. We saw what happened last year vs the Canes. For me, I’m dumping Lee, JGP, Palmieri, Pulock and whatever I could get for Cizikas at the deadline and putting those draft assets to work.

Yeah I read the same. It’s also why I’m shocked that they’re searching for his replacement. Those talks went on mid season and they’re now first interviewing.
Also shocking was Lou’s reasoning for not breaking it all up was them being in the race. This roster was NEVER beating the leagues elite. We saw what happened last year vs the Canes. For me, I’m dumping Lee, JGP, Palmieri, Pulock and whatever I could get for Cizikas at the deadline and putting those draft assets to work.
- kindlyrick

This team is never ahead of the curve and if Barry did not fall into their lap, Lou's Islander record would really be bad.

This team is never ahead of the curve and if Barry did not fall into their lap, Lou's Islander record would really be bad.
- ses111

I think we all assumed when Lou came in that he would magically re shape internally. To learn that he kept most of Snows people is odd to me. For 5 million a year, he really did nothing other than draft and make a few trades. He did NOT give them 5 million worth of service.

I think we all assumed when Lou came in that he would magically re shape internally. To learn that he kept most of Snows people is odd to me. For 5 million a year, he really did nothing other than draft and make a few trades. He did NOT give them 5 million worth of service.
- kindlyrick

He did not. I remember many of us were hoping Lou would clean out the scouting department and do something with Bridge. Lou did the least amount of work as possible. Lou wanted people around he could control and that would not question him. Barry did the heavy lifting.

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.
- ses111

What is your obsession with Neil Smith? Let it go already. The guy is 70+ years old.

Darche is brisbois

What is you obsession with Neil Smith? Let it go already. The guy is 70+ years old.
- JimmyP

Because it led to Garth instead of a 5th Cup or at least respectability and it was the last time the team was able to sign decent UFA’s. I’m not looking for the guy to run a marathon. I’m looking for someone that won and in NY and someone that could be a mentor to a young GM like Darche. Also, every other possible president is a No so far. If the Islanders could pick and choose their hires more easily, we would not need to discuss off the board hires. If the Islanders want just Darche fine. Pick him so we can move on and end the debate. This team has to be a constant joke getting rejected. Hopefully this helps you, Jimmy.

Because it led to Garth instead of a 5th Cup or at least respectability and it was the last time the team was able to sign decent UFA’s. I’m not looking for the guy to run a marathon. I’m looking for someone that won and in NY and someone that could be a mentor to a young GM like Darche. Also, every other possible president is a No so far. If the Islanders could pick and choose their hires more easily, we would not need to discuss off the board hires. If the Islanders want just Darche fine. Pick him so we can move on and end the debate. This team has to be a constant joke getting rejected. Hopefully this helps you, Jimmy.
- ses111

Neil Smith currently works for UBS. He hasn’t been involved in a true hockey capacity type position for years. He’s basically there for photo ops ops and to talk a little hockey with uBS clients. You don’t want him at this point.

Neil Smith currently works for UBS. He hasn’t been involved in a true hockey capacity type position for years. He’s basically there for photo ops ops and to talk a little hockey with uBS clients. You don’t want him at this point.
- streaks

Neil Smith, Don Maloney, Lou Lam, Brian Burke….all names from our youth and should stay there. Not saying he’s the guy, but a Nick Lidstrom who is the vice president of hockey ops in Detroit is the kind of guy the should go after for POHO. Using a re tread isn’t the answer. They need to be more progressive with their pick, and not just the oldest vet available.

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
- kindlyrick

More stellar work from the world of hockey journalism. It's a guy saying what Holland is thinking based on... ... ...? Did he talk to Holland and ask him? He doesn't say. In fact it seems like he's just putting himself in Holland's shoes and babbling his own opinions.

More stellar work from the world of hockey journalism. It's a guy saying what Holland is thinking based on... ... ...? Did he talk to Holland and ask him? He doesn't say. In fact it seems like he's just putting himself in Holland's shoes and babbling his own opinions.
- UIF

Yeah I get it but it’s not just Ekland with an E4 here. It’s guys who are dialed in. I agree that there is prob some embellishment for clicks but I do believe Holland said no to both the isles and Buffalo.

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!
- kindlyrick

He didn’t, ses has been bringing Neil Smith up since he was fired 20 years ago.

More stellar work from the world of hockey journalism. It's a guy saying what Holland is thinking based on... ... ...? Did he talk to Holland and ask him? He doesn't say. In fact it seems like he's just putting himself in Holland's shoes and babbling his own opinions.
- UIF

Agree 100%.

Because it led to Garth instead of a 5th Cup or at least respectability and it was the last time the team was able to sign decent UFA’s. I’m not looking for the guy to run a marathon. I’m looking for someone that won and in NY and someone that could be a mentor to a young GM like Darche. Also, every other possible president is a No so far. If the Islanders could pick and choose their hires more easily, we would not need to discuss off the board hires. If the Islanders want just Darche fine. Pick him so we can move on and end the debate. This team has to be a constant joke getting rejected. Hopefully this helps you, Jimmy.
- ses111

Here you go Bud.

Because it led to Garth instead of a 5th Cup or at least respectability and it was the last time the team was able to sign decent UFA’s. I’m not looking for the guy to run a marathon. I’m looking for someone that won and in NY and someone that could be a mentor to a young GM like Darche. Also, every other possible president is a No so far. If the Islanders could pick and choose their hires more easily, we would not need to discuss off the board hires. If the Islanders want just Darche fine. Pick him so we can move on and end the debate. This team has to be a constant joke getting rejected. Hopefully this helps you, Jimmy.
- ses111

I want a GM under 60. The game changes rapidly. We need someone that understands that. Ideally they would bring in someone with experience, and he would fill his staff with 30 year old's. It's not just the players that need to get younger.

I want a GM under 60. The game changes rapidly. We need someone that understands that. Ideally they would bring in someone with experience, and he would fill his staff with 30 year old's. It's not just the players that need to get younger.
- JimmyP

It is not a matter of want at this stage. It is a matter of need. This organization needs a young visionary that can build a sustainable future for this organization. People believe that Darche is that visionary. If is checks all of this organization, hire him. Give him the tools and resources he needs to work with.

In doing so, everyone needs to be prepared for at least a five-year journey. Between moving the unsustainable contracts and the development of the latest prospects, you are looking at a 5 year turn around. Could it happen sooner, maybe, but there are a lot of things to correct with the on-ice product only being one of them.

It is not a matter of want at this stage. It is a matter of need. This organization needs a young visionary that can build a sustainable future for this organization. People believe that Darche is that visionary. If is checks all of this organization, hire him. Give him the tools and resources he needs to work with.

In doing so, everyone needs to be prepared for at least a five-year journey. Between moving the unsustainable contracts and the development of the latest prospects, you are looking at a 5 year turn around. Could it happen sooner, maybe, but there are a lot of things to correct with the on-ice product only being one of them.
- Nfdbulldawg

I’m ok with a 5 year rebuild if the light at the end of the tunnel is legitimate contender vs the perennial pretenders they’ve been throwing out for 3 decades. I’m ok with the growing pains if it means they can execute a plan to succeed. No more temu first lines and no more PP that have no set plays or plans other than a drop pass to Barzal to enter the zone. For once I’d like to be excited about a blue chip call up. We fans have been patient….its time.

I’m ok with a 5 year rebuild if the light at the end of the tunnel is legitimate contender vs the perennial pretenders they’ve been throwing out for 3 decades. I’m ok with the growing pains if it means they can execute a plan to succeed. No more temu first lines and no more PP that have no set plays or plans other than a drop pass to Barzal to enter the zone. For once I’d like to be excited about a blue chip call up. We fans have been patient….its time.
- kindlyrick

They lost to the Stanley Cup champs 2 times in the ECF. They were definitely contenders for 3 years under Lou and Barry. Tampa was just too good and they pushed them to 7 games.

They lost to the Stanley Cup champs 2 times in the ECF. They were definitely contenders for 3 years under Lou and Barry. Tampa was just too good and they pushed them to 7 games.
- nyisles7

Yeah you could argue the ECF run made them contenders, or you could be honest and admit that they neutral zone trapped their way to the ECF and ultimately the lack of talent did them in. The reason why Barry was picked as coach is his system of trapping and limiting high risk scoring chances fit the islanders underwhelming roster which lacked elite scoring (which the real contenders have).

Yeah you could argue the ECF run made them contenders, or you could be honest and admit that they neutral zone trapped their way to the ECF and ultimately the lack of talent did them in. The reason why Barry was picked as coach is his system of trapping and limiting high risk scoring chances fit the islanders underwhelming roster which lacked elite scoring (which the real contenders have).
- kindlyrick

And that is what a good coach does. He coaches to the strength of his lineup. It is no surprise that the differential with greatly improved. It is no surprise that it increased wins. However, the truth about the offensive side of things was evident in the PP even under Trots.

I like Roy, I think he can be a part of the future, but the next GM needs to give him the horses it will take to run his system. You cannot take field horses or stable mules and run them in derby. It ain't happen.

We have been critical of Dober, no one more than I. But he showed me something the other night when he jumped into the play and scored for Team Canada. That is the player we expect to see here on the Island. If he is back next season that is what we need to see more of.


Anyway, I got off topic. What the team did during those ECF appearances was catch lighting in a bottle. They lost because they were just not talented or deep enough.

Yeah you could argue the ECF run made them contenders, or you could be honest and admit that they neutral zone trapped their way to the ECF and ultimately the lack of talent did them in. The reason why Barry was picked as coach is his system of trapping and limiting high risk scoring chances fit the islanders underwhelming roster which lacked elite scoring (which the real contenders have).
- kindlyrick

I don’t think their style of play dictates whether they were contenders or not imo. They were right there. You can say they over performed and played a particular style but if they beat Tampa they had a pretty good shot at winning the cup. Lou deserves all the credit in the world for hiring Barry which is the reason why they were right there. Boring or not they were contenders imo. Also, I didn’t find it boring. They put on a clinic. I thought it was entertaining as hell.

And that is what a good coach does. He coaches to the strength of his lineup. It is no surprise that the differential with greatly improved. It is no surprise that it increased wins. However, the truth about the offensive side of things was evident in the PP even under Trots.

I like Roy, I think he can be a part of the future, but the next GM needs to give him the horses it will take to run his system. You cannot take field horses or stable mules and run them in derby. It ain't happen.

We have been critical of Dober, no one more than I. But he showed me something the other night when he jumped into the play and scored for Team Canada. That is the player we expect to see here on the Island. If he is back next season that is what we need to see more of.


Anyway, I got off topic. What the team did during those ECF appearances was catch lighting in a bottle. They lost because they were just not talented or deep enough.
- Nfdbulldawg

Agreed on all. I think Dobson will bounce back. If they draft Schaefer, they have a legitimate top pair.