Latest news with #Darche
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Darche embraces the Islanders' challenge with a vision to build a perennial playoff contender
Mathieu Darche's arrival at the New York Islanders marks. This is more than just a career step, as it signals a turning point. That too for a franchise hungry to recapture its legacy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Growing up in Montreal during the Islanders' dynasty years. Darche remembers their dominance vividly, that deep admiration has now transformed into a mission. In order to restore the Islanders as a winning organization., with a resume shaped by his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning, including two Stanley Cup wins and a key role in hockey operations. Darche brings not just experience. But a proven approach to sustained success. The Islanders, who missed the playoffs this past season, This need both strategic and cultural renewal. Darche's emphasis is clear, as every decision, from staff changes to player evaluations. This is part of a larger blueprint aimed at lifting the franchise. That too beyond mediocrity and into lasting competitiveness. He begins this challenge with a strong sense of purpose, knowing that he is inheriting both expectations and opportunity. Building a strong foundation for the future Press Conference: Mathieu Darche - New York Islanders GM & EVP - New York Islanders - May 29 2025 Darche's first major move was confirming head coach Patrick Roy's return, while reshaping the coaching team beneath him. The goal is alignment from top to bottom, a value Darche holds strongly from his experience in Tampa Bay. The Islanders' American Hockey League affiliate in Bridgeport, which finished last in the league standings, will also undergo a coaching overhaul, signaling a commitment to development at every level. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now One of the most compelling opportunities. That too for Darche lies in the 2025 NHL Draft, with the Islanders holding the first overall pick. Tthe stakes are high. While trading the pick seems unlikely. Darche knows the decision will shape the team's future. Whether selecting top-rated defenseman Matthew Schaefer or choosing a homegrown forward like James Hagens, the pick will be pivotal. Darche understands the magnitude, calling the moment a rare and exciting starting point in his GM journey. Connecting past lessons to present goals Mathieu Darche poses after being named the 7th General Manager in New York Islanders history at UBS Arena (Credit: Getty Image) Though the Islanders have fallen short in recent years, their competitive window isn't closed. Captain Anders Lee echoed a shared belief that the team had the pieces to be in the playoffs, but execution failed them. Darche sees that as a starting block, not a setback. His approach combines immediate analysis with a long-term strategy. He's already meeting with players, learning the team's rhythm, and identifying where adjustments must be made. Read more: Replacing a figure like Lou Lamoriello isn't easy. His tenure brought structure and standards. But Darche isn't trying to replicate; he's building on that legacy with a modern lens. He's clear-eyed about the challenges but equally committed to daily improvement. Every step forward, for him, must serve the ultimate goal: to make the New York Islanders a consistent playoff team again.
New York Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Mathieu Darche doesn't expect to trade Islanders' No. 1 overall pick
Mathieu Darche didn't leave much open to interpretation. If someone wants to blow him away with an offer, he'll listen. The plan, though, is to make the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft a month from now. 'Not often you get a job and the first thing you have to do is pick the best player in the draft,' Darche said Thursday at his introductory press conference as Islanders general manager. 'Listen, I expect us to make the pick at the end of next month. 'You have to do your due diligence. Anybody that calls, you have to listen, but someone would really have to knock my socks off to trade that pick, 'cause we're gonna get a special player. I'm gonna do my due diligence, but I expect us to be picking at the end of June.' 4 Islanders' new GM Mathieu Darche addresses reporters during a press conference on May 29, 2025. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post Defenseman Matthew Schaefer and center Michael Misa, both from the Toronto area, are considered the top two players available by most draft experts, with Schaefer generally ahead. Long Island native James Hagens, a center, could also be considered, and it would be a marketing bonanza if the Islanders took the 18-year-old from Boston College who grew up a diehard fan of the club. 4 Michael Misa skates during a game Feb. 14. Getty Images 4 Matthew Schaefer skates during a Nov. 15 game. Getty Images Darche added that the Lightning — his old employer — didn't put any restrictions on his ability to be part of the draft process with the Islanders. 'When this process started, they locked me out pretty quick,' he joked. 4 James Hagens could be an option for the Islanders to select No. 1 overall in the NHL draft. Getty Images Darche said the injury sustained by Bo Horvat at World Championships isn't a long-term concern. 'He's got an ankle injury, nothing serious,' Darche said. 'Four to six weeks, he's already rehabbing. … There's no concerns whatsoever.' Darche has reached out to 'most of the agents' representing the Islanders' pending free agents, he said, as well as speaking to all but one or two of the players on the roster, free agents and otherwise. On the ice from Long Island Sign up for Inside the Islanders by Ethan Sears, a weekly Sports+ exclusive. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters No decision has been made as yet about whether the Islanders will retain assistant GMs Steve Pellegrini and Chris Lamoriello. Pellegrini was in attendance at Thursday's press conference. Darche said his focus is first on the draft, replacing the coaching staff at Bridgeport and filling out assistant coaching spots on the NHL staff, with Tommy Albelin and John MacLean having been let go. 'A lot of teams are looking for coaches at this time of year, so you don't want to be too late on that,' Darche said. 'But the whole structure of how we work with development in the AHL will be enhanced.'
New York Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Mathieu Darche's lofty goals usher in a whole new Islanders era
The event itself was evidence of the change at hand with the Islanders, and you didn't need to look far at Mathieu Darche's introductory press conference as general manager on Thursday to find more of it. There were season-ticket holders in attendance and a repeated focus on connecting with the fan base. There was some transparency, with Darche giving specifics on Bo Horvat's ankle injury, his plan to keep the No. 1 pick, Patrick Roy staying in charge as head coach and changes elsewhere in the organization. Advertisement 4 Islanders new general manager Mathieu Darche speaks during his introduction at a press conference at UBS Arena Corey Sipkin for the NY POST There was, again and again, emphasis on player development and the importance of fixing up an AHL team in Bridgeport whose struggles were hand-waved by Lou Lamoriello last season. There was a GM talking about collaboration and communication, being a part of the organization's community efforts and building a team around pace. Advertisement 'By saying fast-paced doesn't mean we're playing [only] offense, because you can't win if you don't defend,' Darche said. 'Playing defense and defending are two different things. I want to attack.' Music to Patrick Roy's ears. 4 Left to right: Islanders co-owner John Collins, co-owner Oliver Haarmann, new general manager Mathieu Darche and co-owner Jon Ledecky stand for a photo at Darche's introduction. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST 'Even when the Lightning won the two Cups, everybody thinks it was all offense,' Darche went on. 'No — the team defended better than everybody else. That's why the team won. And that's the same thing. Advertisement 'Doesn't mean that you weren't scoring goals. That's what I want. Over time, we're gonna build a team towards that. You need everything. That's the recipe: you need everything, build all aspects of it. Fast, high-paced, intensity, compete. That's how you win in the NHL.' Once you stripped all the trappings and niceties from the afternoon, got past all the allusions to shoring up the Islanders' brand and all the change that will come off the ice, that may have been the starkest contrast offered from the Lamoriello Era Isles who — even in their heyday — were a step slow and very much defensive in nature. 4 Mathieu Darche spent much of his career in the AHL before transitioning to a front office role with the Lightning. AP Turning it into reality is a different thing, and Darche, a first-time GM, will need to toe the line of changing over the roster while keeping the Islanders competing for the playoffs next season. Advertisement The 48-year-old spent the last six seasons as an assistant GM for the Lightning. Before that, he had a 12-year playing career — most of it in the AHL — worked in the business world for Delmar International and was an analyst for French-language station RDS on Canadiens pre- and postgame shows. 'We wanted someone who is really collaborative, but who's really a strong hockey leader,' said minority owner and operating partner John Collins, who led the search. '… We always looked at Mathieu like he was the best of the first-time candidates because he was so well prepared in terms of his playing career.' It also helped, Collins said, that Darche's responsibilities in Tampa went beyond those of most assistant GMs. 'I joked I spent more time with [Lightning GM] Julien [BriseBois] than my wife the last six years,' Darche said. 'But I've met basically every GM. Every one of them has reached out to me.' The Lightning, though, were already a contender when Darche arrived in 2019. The Islanders will require more of a face-lift to reach that point. 'I think this team last year, because of various factors, probably should've been a playoff team,' Darche said. 'Do we have work to do to improve it? Of course we do. This summer, that's gonna be my focus.' So the jury's out on the extent of change the roster will see, though the cap rise combined with a large group of pending free agents gives Darche some leeway to put his stamp on things. Advertisement It may be, though, that the pace of change with the NHL roster is slower than the pace of change within the Islanders' organization itself — be it on the business side, with the AHL roster or in the community. 4 Islanders new general manager Mathieu Darche speaks during his introduction. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST 'When I say I'm vertically integrated, that's what it is,' Darche said. 'You can't just have a good NHL team and no, I don't care about the AHL. That's your pipeline. You have to move forward player development. That's where I think the Tampa Bay Lightning have done a beautiful job. 'If you look over the years, I think last year, Tampa in the top two lines, not one first-round pick. You like first-round picks, especially the first overall, but the reality of it — you have to develop your players.' Advertisement For a team that went from 2020-23 without even making a first-round pick, that's a whole new language. And Thursday marked an entrance into a whole new world.
NBC Sports
4 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Mathieu Darche introduced as Islanders' head of hockey operations
NEW YORK — Mathieu Darche was all smiles as he was formally introduced as the New York Islanders' executive vice president and general manager. The 48-year-old former NHL forward, who spent the previous six seasons — including two Stanley Cups — with the Tampa Bay Lightning, takes control of the team's hockey operations department from Lou Lamoriello. Darche officially announced that Patrick Roy would return as coach next season and be able to hire his own assistants with John MacLean and Tommy Albelin not returning. Darche also said there would be a new coaching staff in Bridgeport, the team's AHL affiliate. The Islanders missed the playoffs this season after bowing out to the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round the previous two springs. Darche, who played 268 NHL games from 2001-12 for five teams, is ready to get started. 'We want to create our own success going forward, build our own legacy,' said Darche, a Montreal native who mentioned watching the Islanders and his idol Mike Bossy win four straight Stanley Cups from 1980-83. 'I believe in best practices and seeing what I can bring.' Roy, a Hall of Fame goaltender, became coach of the Islanders in January 2024. He guided the Islanders into the postseason with a late surge in 2024 but the team fell short this time, missing the playoffs for the second time in four seasons since starting play at UBS Arena. Both Darche and Roy were born in the province of Quebec. 'Patrick is a winner,'' said Darche, who met the 59-year-old Roy for the first time in recent days. 'I am extremely comfortable and excited to be working with him. I know he's passionate and he works hard.' Islanders co-owner John Collins echoed the sentiments of his incoming head of hockey operations, who also has a business background away from hockey and a degree from McGill University in Montreal. 'There's a championship legacy here that needs to move forward. We believe strongly that Mathieu Darche understands how to make that happen,'' Collins said. 'He has been an important part of Stanley Cup success in Tampa Bay and we see him as a team builder with a bright future for us.' Darche does have plenty of work to do. He said he's spoken to just about every player on the Islanders roster and will be focused on the upcoming draft — in which the Islanders have the No. 1 pick — plus pending free agents in the weeks ahead. 'You've entrusted me with hockey operations of this franchise and it's not something I take lightly,'' Darche said. 'I want this team to be a perennial playoff team … It's not always a straight line but every single day every decision I make will be not for Mathieu Darche — not for anybody else — but the best thing for the New York Islanders.' Islanders captain Anders Lee, who turns 35 in July and will be starting his 14th season with the Islanders, said his early impressions of the new boss have been all positive. 'Mathieu will come in with a lot of ideas. He's seen how things have worked in Tampa. He has a vision for this group and this organization,'' said Lee, with a backdrop of the arena's ice-free surface. 'We all have the same goal here. We want to be playing games in May, knocking on the door of the Stanley Cup.' Lee also credited the 82-year-old Lamoriello with having a key impact during his seven years at the Islanders helm. 'Lou meant a lot. He was a mentor and someone you could lean on, someone you could go to for things outside of hockey,'' Lee said. 'Lou has seen it all and he's done it with high character and great values. He's a man of his word. He made a lot of guys in that room not just better hockey players, but better men.'
San Francisco Chronicle
4 days ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Mathieu Darche introduced as Islanders' head of hockey operations
NEW YORK (AP) — Mathieu Darche was all smiles Thursday as he was formally introduced as the New York Islanders' executive vice president and general manager. The 48-year-old former NHL forward, who spent the previous six seasons — including two Stanley Cups — with the Tampa Bay Lightning, takes control of the team's hockey operations department from Lou Lamoriello. Darche officially announced that Patrick Roy would return as coach next season and be able to hire his own assistants with John MacLean and Tommy Albelin not returning. Darche also said there would be a new coaching staff in Bridgeport, the team's AHL affiliate. The Islanders missed the playoffs this season after bowing out to the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round the previous two springs. Darche, who played 268 NHL games from 2001-12 for five teams, is ready to get started. 'We want to create our own success going forward, build our own legacy," said Darche, a Montreal native who mentioned watching the Islanders and his idol Mike Bossy win four straight Stanley Cups from 1980-83. 'I believe in best practices and seeing what I can bring.' Roy, a Hall of Fame goaltender, became coach of the Islanders in January 2024. He guided the Islanders into the postseason with a late surge in 2024 but the team fell short this time, missing the playoffs for the second time in four seasons since starting play at UBS Arena. Both Darche and Roy were born in the province of Quebec. 'Patrick is a winner,'' said Darche, who met the 59-year-old Roy for the first time in recent days. 'I am extremely comfortable and excited to be working with him. I know he's passionate and he works hard." Islanders co-owner John Collins echoed the sentiments of his incoming head of hockey operations, who also has a business background away from hockey and a degree from McGill University in Montreal. 'There's a championship legacy here that needs to move forward. We believe strongly that Mathieu Darche understands how to make that happen,'' Collins said. 'He has been an important part of Stanley Cup success in Tampa Bay and we see him as a team builder with a bright future for us.' Darche does have plenty of work to do. He said he's spoken to just about every player on the Islanders roster and will be focused on the upcoming draft — in which the Islanders have the No. 1 pick — plus pending free agents in the weeks ahead. 'You've entrusted me with hockey operations of this franchise and it's not something I take lightly,'' Darche said. 'I want this team to be a perennial playoff team … It's not always a straight line but every single day every decision I make will be not for Mathieu Darche — not for anybody else — but the best thing for the New York Islanders.' Islanders captain Anders Lee, who turns 35 in July and will be starting his 14th season with the Islanders, said his early impressions of the new boss have been all positive. 'Mathieu will come in with a lot of ideas. He's seen how things have worked in Tampa. He has a vision for this group and this organization,'' said Lee, with a backdrop of the arena's ice-free surface. "We all have the same goal here. We want to be playing games in May, knocking on the door of the Stanley Cup.' Lee also credited the 82-year-old Lamoriello with having a key impact during his seven years at the Islanders helm. 'Lou meant a lot. He was a mentor and someone you could lean on, someone you could go to for things outside of hockey,'' Lee said. 'Lou has seen it all and he's done it with high character and great values. He's a man of his word. He made a lot of guys in that room not just better hockey players, but better men.' ___
