After falling short on Marchenko, Islanders to take another 'Big Swing'
Much has been made of the Montreal Canadiens’ pursuit of the 26-year-old Russian winger...
But right in there were the sneaky New York Islanders, trying to make a big swing... It’s certainly indicative that Darche is unafraid to make big moves. The Isles aren’t rebuilding. They’re trying to make the team better, period.
As partially evidenced by their one-goal effort in their opener, the Islanders need to add some offensive punch. And they're looking high and low, ready to pounce when another opportunity arises.
“It’s my job to always try and improve the team,” Darche said. “We haven’t made the playoffs the last two years. I want to improve the team. Is it easier said than done? Of course. Trust me, I spent the summer trying.”
“Every time there’s a good player available, we make calls.
“Tomorrow morning if I hear there’s another opportunity to get more offense on our team, I would look at it,” Darche continued. “You turn every stone. It might look like we didn’t do much this summer, but it’s not because we didn’t try."
LeBrun reveals, however, that the Islanders did beat the Leafs to another of their desired targets, way back in the spring, when they beat the market, making a late-season coaching change, hiring Pete DeBoer.
"I can assure you that the Maple Leafs under new GM John Chayka would have wanted to speak with DeBoer after firing Craig Berube, and no doubt Oilers GM Stan Bowman would have wanted to, as well, had DeBoer been available," wrote LeBrun.
"Darche beat the market."
And he'll try to do it again when another difference-making offensive threat becomes available.