New York Islanders coach Patrick Roy will be back for the 2025-26 season, the team’s new general manager announced.
‘Patrick’s a winner,’ said Mathieu Darche, who was hired out of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. ‘He had success when he came here the first year, he did have success. … I went to meet with him last weekend just to get to know him more and I’m extremely comfortable and excited to be working with him. I know he’s passionate. He works hard.’
But Darche said assistant coaches John MacLean and Tommy Albelin won’t be back, along with the coaching staff of the Islanders’ American Hockey League affiliate in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Roy returned to the NHL in 2023-24, replacing Lane Lambert that January and leading the Islanders to a playoff berth, where they were eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round.
But the Islanders finished at .500 this season and missed the playoffs. The team was hurt by long-term injuries to Mathew Barzal, Anthony Duclair, Noah Dobson and Adam Pelech.
Darche, who replaces Lou Lamoriello, said he wants to build a fast-paced team that defends well.
The Islanders won the draft lottery and hold the No. 1 overall pick in June. Darche said he’ll do his due diligence and listen if other teams call but plans to keep the pick.
‘Someone would really have to knock my socks off to trade that pick because we’re going to get a special player,’ he said.
NHL coaching hires
The New York Rangers hired Mike Sullivan on May 1.
The Anaheim Ducks hired Joel Quenneville on May 8.
The Vancouver Canucks (Adam Foote) and Philadelphia Flyers (Rick Tocchet) hired coaches on May 14.
The Blackhawks hired Jeff Blashill on May 22.
NHL coach openings
Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins and Seattle Kraken.