NHL Rumors: Islanders Linked To Taking Massive Swing This Offseason

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
New York Islanders jersey.

The New York Islanders are at a crossroads in their search for a new general manager, and according to New York Post columnist Larry Brooks, the team needs to take a "massive swing" rather than settling for familiar faces. 

With Lou Lamoriello on his way out — even as he remains oddly listed on the team's directory — the front office appears to be weighing its options, though many of them, Brooks argues, lack imagination.

The team has already interviewed established names like Ken Holland, Jarmo Kekalainen, and Marc Bergevin — all of whom have extensive resumes but also bring baggage. Brooks isn’t impressed, calling it “a parade of recyclables.” In contrast, he believes the Islanders should aim higher and even floated the idea of making a run at current Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper to lead the franchise as team president and GM. While Cooper recently committed to returning to Tampa next season, Brooks suggests there's "no harm" in asking for permission to speak with him.

Darche Gains Momentum as Forward-Thinking Favorite

Among the more intriguing candidates is Mathieu Darche, currently the assistant GM in Tampa Bay. Darche has been instrumental in the Lightning's salary cap navigation and contract negotiations — an essential asset in today’s NHL. A former NHL journeyman-turned-front office standout, Darche brings a blend of work ethic, innovation, and cap savvy that many believe the Islanders desperately need. He’s already interviewed for the job and is widely viewed as a top contender.

Darche’s no-nonsense roster-building philosophy and experience with a championship-caliber team make him a stark contrast to more traditional, risk-averse options like Bergevin or Kekalainen. While the latter two bring decades of front office experience, their recent resumes aren’t flush with postseason success. Meanwhile, Darche’s ascent in Tampa's elite front office has made him a name to watch in every GM hiring cycle.

Will the Islanders Actually Swing Big?

Despite calls for boldness, it’s unclear if ownership is willing to break the mold. Arthur Staple of The Athletic reports that Lamoriello might remain in an advisory role, potentially creating hesitation among forward-thinking candidates. That kind of lingering influence could complicate the vision of any incoming GM looking to reshape the roster.

If the Islanders want to chart a new course — one that energizes both the team and its fanbase — they'll need to think bigger than retreads. Whether that means a surprise hire like Jon Cooper or a calculated move like Darche, the pressure is on Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky to get this right.

Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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