News Islanders Team Notes

NHL Playoff News: Final four set after latest Silence of the Leafs

Florida Panthers v Toronto Maple Leafs - Game Seven

I really love that for you. | Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images

There’s library quiet and then there’s Toronto in a Game 7 quiet.

Is there a more amusing silence than that of Toronto as they are getting obliterated at home in a Game 7? I think not.

The Maple Leafs caused all their water carriers to crucify them after a 6-1 home loss in Game 5, only to give them all pause after a shutout win in Florida in Game 6.

So what happens in Game 7 at home in Toronto? Another 6-1 loss, of course. Surely Mitch Marner’s last game there as part of the Core Four as he flees for Carolina or (lol) Chicago. Possibly John Tavares’ last, too, although it seems like he may stay for a paltry salary to continue Not Every Day Pajama Dream.

The Leafs won the division, were up 2-0 on the defending Stanley Cup champs, and still found a way to lose in the most painful of ways. Since the summer of 2018 — a random and completely meaningless date I picked out of a hat, I assure you — the Maple Leafs have won two playoff rounds while the Islanders have won five or six, depending on your view of pandemic-qualifier rounds. And we think the Islanders have disappointed.

Tee hee, man.

Islanders News​

  • No news on the GM search front, however Greg Picker thanked fans for the outpouring of support following the axing of the radio crew. [THN]
  • Weird Islanders: Neil Smith joins the podcast! [LHH]

Elsewhere​

  • The final four is set: Dallas vs. Edmonton, Florida vs. Carolina. This is a good final four; good job, NHL. It’s almost as if we don’t need a play-in round. Here’s the schedule, beginning Tuesday with the East. [NHL]
  • Leafs fans are devastated and angry and it’s delicious. [Sportsnet]
  • The Winnipeg-Dallas post-series handshake was particularly emotional in the wake of Mark Schefele’s dad dying the day before. [Sportsnet]
  • The U.S. beat Kazakhstan, oh Kazakhstan. [Sportsnet]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...layoff-news-final-four-panthers-leafs-destiny
 
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 335 - The Teacher Just Left

Islanders_Anxiety_Art___2023.0.jpg


Let’s not disembowel the Toronto Maple Leafs just yet... we’ll talk some Islanders first, then do that.

Mike and Dan discuss the Islanders GM search and enjoy another Maple Leafs elimination with an epic Master Leaf Theatre.

The Islanders still have no general manager but that may change soon. Second interviews are happening and two final candidates have emerged (assuming no one else shakes loose from the recently eliminated) who represent experience versus new blood. Even without a GM, the Islanders’ scouts are hard at work deciding who to use the first overall pick on. While fan debate rages, we reexamine what we thought we knew about the prospects at the top of the class and discover new ways things can go totally wrong.

Then it’s on to one of our favorite segments of the year, as Toronto’s hockey team once again cloaks itself in failure and embarrassment, we enjoy a new edition of Master Leaf Theatre. The main targets this time are the possibly outgoing team president and the hometown boy who does everything except show up in the playoffs and is now being chased out by an angry mob. There’s ⁠poetry and motion⁠, ⁠anger⁠, ⁠humor⁠ and ⁠a soundbite⁠ that already feels like it will live in infamy. It’s a Dickensian drama we enjoy year after year, and this might be the most massively magnificent one of all.

REFERENCES

  • White-haired Frank looking for that white smoke:

If we’re handicapping, sources suggest it is a two-horse race at Belmont between Marc Bergevin and Mathieu Darche.#isles https://t.co/pCrfFRLZdw

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 19, 2025​
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This week’s Master Leaf Theatre selections:


Subscribe to our Patreon! Members get ad-free episodes of all our shows, bonus podcasts, written posts, discounts and much more. Or follow us for free to get announcements and our weekly release calendar.

PLUGS!​

  • Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, as well as the full line of Islanders Anxiety merch. As always our portion of those sales go directly to the Center for Dementia Research.
  • The Pinot Project has a Rosé, a Pinot Grigio and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Pinot Noir, all under $15 a bottle. Available at local wine stores and UBS Arena.
  • Visit Lighthousehockey.com for the most up-to-date Islanders news and discussion.
  • Islanders Anxiety podcasts are part of the Fans First Sports Network (@FansFirstSN).

Theme song: “Morning Haze” by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music on Spotify.


Please subscribe, download, rate, review or spread the word about Islanders Anxiety, Weird Islanders: The Podcast! and all of our podcasts any way you can. All of it helps to raise the show’s profile and maybe could get us another fancy sponsor to sell out to in the near future. Leave us a five star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

All Islanders Anxiety podcasts are available on:

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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...c-bergevin-mathieu-darche-master-leaf-theatre
 
Islanders & Playoff News: Bo Horvat injured, GM candidates interview; Panthers continue to prowl

Florida Panthers v Carolina Hurricanes - Game One

Rally in Raleigh. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

There’s still hockey!

The final four (does the NCAA allow us to call it that, or are we about to get sued?) of the NHL playoffs began last night with a not-too-surprising Florida Panthers methodical disassembly of the Carolina Hurricanes during Game 1 in Raleigh.

Islanders News​

  • Meanwhile, the Islanders GM search seems to be advancing, based on the tweet leaves, with Marc Bergevin and Mathieu Darche reportedly getting second interviews.
  • Oh, and Bo Horvat got injured [video here] at the World Championships and is headed home for evaluation. [Newsday]
  • Anders Lee: “Lou was everyone’s best mentor.” If only he could be their best GM! [Post]
  • “The more you think about it, the more pathetic it becomes.” The first hours is Islanders talk, the second hour is a delicious MasterLeaf Theatre. [Islanders Anxiety]

Congratulations to us Islander fans on a successful 7-year long hate watch

— Hunter Taubes (@huntertaubes) May 19, 2025​
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Elsewhere​

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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...-bo-horvat-injured-worlds-panthers-hurricanes
 
Islanders & NHL News: Marc, Mathieu & the Shanahan

Florida Panthers v Carolina Hurricanes - Game One

Yeah, well you’re a disgrace to the name! | Photo by Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images

There are interviews and visits.

As of late Thursday at least, the Islanders’ search for a GM (and possibly President of Hockey Operations) appeared to be like this: Second interviews and “narrowing” decision with Marc Bergevin and Mathieu Darche, while now-officially-deposed Leafs president Brendan Shanahan will also be spoken to.

What does a president do and why bother with one, you ask? It’s a question with merit.

Islanders News​

  • Bo Horvat (before he got injured) and Noah Dobson at the Worlds both say they’re excited for the Isles future. [NHL]

Hearing #Isles are narrowing in on a GM before sitting down with Brendan Shanahan.

Not sure that Shanahan would take a job where his GM was picked ahead of him.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) May 22, 2025​
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If John Collins tells Shanahan that #Isles had this detailed process for weeks with multiple interviews and ownership really likes, let’s say Darche (my pick fwiw) or ok, Bergevin, I don’t see it as a dealbreaker for Brendan. He respects both. Could work with either. Hiring one…

— Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL) May 22, 2025​
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Elsewhere​

  • The Panthers again embarrassed the Hurricanes on Carolina ice, going up 2-0 in the series.
  • Sam Reinhart left the game with a knee injury after one of those “skilled player makes a clumsy hit that ends up dirty” deals by Sebastian The Lesser Aho. [NHL]
  • The fantastic Barkov sets the tone for that fantastic team. [NHL]
  • Jukebox: Brendan Shanahan’s 11 years in Toronto were defined by “comfort, not Cups.” [Sportsnet]
  • Jeff Blashill is hired by the Blackhawks for the next sad phase of their rebuild. [NHL]
  • Ken Holland likes everybody in L.A. and will keep them (including Marc Bergevin, unless he gets another GM gig). [Athletic]
  • Auston Matthews, clearly nursing an injury all season, hopes to be 100% next season. [NHL]
  • Nikolaj Ehlers is a pending UFA but Winnipeg would like to make him a “Jet for life,” which is usually a description of misery, in multiple sports. [NHL]
  • Connor Hellebuyck appears to have been in his own head all playoffs. Not a great sign. [NHL]
  • At the Worlds, Country Of Frans upset Canada:

NICK OLESEN GIVES DENMARK THE LEAD WITH UNDER A MINUTE TO PLAY! #MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/NThsHSRie9

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 22, 2025​
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...marc-bergevin-mathieu-darche-brendan-shanahan
 
New York Islanders Name Mathieu Darche GM & Exec. VP

TOPSHOT-VATICAN-RELIGION-POPE-CONCLAVE

He is named.

The conclave has concluded.

[UPDATED] The New York Islanders have named Mathieu Darche their new general manager and executive vice president, per an announcement Friday afternoon. The organization digs his hands-on history with a winning team, CBA matters and past experience in management for a customs broker.

News of the pending hire was first reported by Pierre LeBrun late Friday morning. Andrew Gross of Newsday reported there will not be a buffer hire above him or between him and ownership.


Can confirm #Isles will not be hiring anybody above new GM Mathieu Darche

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) May 23, 2025​
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This was a long time in coming for Darche. As mentioned before, he was heavily considered for Penguins GM job that Kyle Dubas got. Was in final interviews with Vancouver and Montreal as well. Also interviewed in Chicago.
After multiple interviews with Islanders, he finally gets… https://t.co/v94PCPnOyF

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 23, 2025​
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Darche is a former NHL player (retiring after 2011-12) who “always had [his] eye on management.” He became an upper executive with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019 and rising amid their recent Cup runs, was the “next guy up” commodity among the insular league’s limited pool of candidates for a GM position who had not already had a GM position before.

He’s highly regarded both in Tampa Bay and around the league, and has been a top candidate in multiple teams’ recent GM searches.

Darche will succeed Lou Lamoriello, whose contract as GM will not be renewed by the team. There were reports this week that both Darche and Marc Bergevin received second interviews for this role, as well as permission to speak to recently deposed Leafs president Brendan Shanahan for some kind of role. But Gross confirmed there would not be an additional exec or president role between Darche and ownership.

More to come as official announcements and other details roll out.
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/5/23/24435964/new-york-islanders-gm-mathieu-darche-report
 
The Trade is 1 for 1: Darche is Islanders GM, Exec. VP and that’s that

New York Islanders v Montreal Canadiens

He’s here! | Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

After much speculation on separate GMs and presidents, co-GMs and who knows what else, the Isles pick Mathieu Darche as their sole guy.

Of course opinions vary, but I think this GM search ultimately worked out as well as possible for the New York Islanders with the hiring of Mathieu Darche as GM and executive vice president. After what felt like a slow start given the attention around it, they got an answer and firm direction before the Memorial Day weekend, and — despite their best reported efforts — dodged doing the Same Old Thing with another old school guy like Kenny Holland.

They did not end up, as was rumored, with an awkward power-sharing regime with co-GMs or a President brought into oversee an already chosen GM, which has yet to prove successful in the NHL.

They did not go with a retread with mixed past results like Marc Bergevin or Jarmo Kekäläinen, fine executives I’m sure but not exactly inspiring after the past few seasons of stagnation and “we believe in this group” status quo under Lou Lamoriello.

The NHL is changing, fast, and a rising exec with a successful organization who knows the game from both sides as a recent player, upper exec and CBA negotiator is a good fit. The entertainment product has changed too, so sitting quiet, doing little (at least what’s visible to the outside) and saying even less, which is both a hallmark and weakness of Lamoriello’s style in 2025, doesn’t really cut it when the team on the ice appears to spin its wheels, while prices for parking, beer and everything else spin upward.

Professional sports teams have made a choice by milking every possible dollar out of spectators with inflated, amusement park-style “Well you’ve got no alternative until you leave, deal with it” pricing. One of many drawbacks to that approach is that if you’re on-ice/field product sucks, the atmosphere will soon suck, too.

For now at least, new direction from someone who has risen through the industry, is a breath of fresh air.

Islanders News​

  • Best: At last, a fresh face to lead the Isles. [Newsday]
  • And for once, they landed the hot commodity (even if that’s not who they targeted first. [Athletic]
  • The draft is imminent, but Darche comes in with a long to-do list awaiting him. [Post]
  • One of those is how to handle RFA Noah Dobson and his up-and-down record. [THN]

Elsewhere​

  • Good Stuart Skinner returned, as the Oilers shut out the Stars in Dallas to even the series at 1-1. [Sportsnet]
  • Roope Hintz left the game after a dirty slash. [NHL] The Stars are pissed Darnell Nurse’s slash on Hintz only got a minor, hope he gets a suspension. [Sportsnet]
  • As feared, Sam Reinhart is out for the Panthers in Game 3. Looked like could be longer, too, after a clumsy/dirty Aho hit to his knee. [NHL]
  • With Brendan Shanahan out, the Leafs’ brass empowers Brad Treliving and Craig Berube. [Sportsnet]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/5/24/24436460/mathieu-darche-islanders-gm-vice-president
 
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 336 - The Old Holiday News Dump

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“A grandiose holistic plan of winning championships.”

Mike and Dan react to the hiring of Mathieu Darche as the Islanders’ new general manager and the blank slate the future holds.

As Islanders fans across the U.S. prepared for Memorial Day weekend, the Islanders dropped the news that their GM search was over. Mathieu Darche seemed like an unlikely choice given his lack of experience running an NHL club, but he won the owners over and beat out former GMs like Marc Bergevin and Jarmo Kekäläinen. The search that got them to Darche wasn’t smooth (and involved a few more big names and swings that went nowhere). But Darche represents a truly new era for the club and only time will tell if it was the right move. For now, all we can do is observe and see where he takes them.

In the second half, we enjoy another new installment of Master Leaf Theatre, as former team president Brendan Shanahan is told he will be leaving the Ford Performance Center, forcing many Leafs writers/fans to reckon with the failed “Shanaplan” (that they named). We also add a new character to the Master Leaf Theatre canon in MLSE CEO Keith Pelley, who loves to make up stories about his kids and blow smoke up people’s behinds. We might have one more in us this offseason, depending on how things shake out up north. But if not, at least we got our thoughts out.

REFERENCES

  • Some more on Darche.
  • And his appearance on the Bolts Block Party podcast (with Weird Islander Braydon Coburn!):

This week’s Master Leaf Theatre selections:


Subscribe to our Patreon! Members get ad-free episodes of all our shows, bonus podcasts, written posts, discounts and much more. Or follow us for free to get announcements and our weekly release calendar.

PLUGS!​

  • Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, as well as the full line of Islanders Anxiety merch. As always our portion of those sales go directly to the Center for Dementia Research.
  • The Pinot Project has a Rosé, a Pinot Grigio and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Pinot Noir, all under $15 a bottle. Available at local wine stores and UBS Arena.
  • Visit Lighthousehockey.com for the most up-to-date Islanders news and discussion.
  • Islanders Anxiety podcasts are part of the Fans First Sports Network (@FansFirstSN).

Theme song: “Morning Haze” by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music on Spotify.


Please subscribe, download, rate, review or spread the word about Islanders Anxiety, Weird Islanders: The Podcast! and all of our podcasts any way you can. All of it helps to raise the show’s profile and maybe could get us another fancy sponsor to sell out to in the near future. Leave us a five star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

All Islanders Anxiety podcasts are available on:

Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...p-mathieu-darche-named-gm-master-leaf-theatre
 
Islanders & NHL News: Darche download, Hurricanes dodge death

New York Islanders v Montreal Canadiens

In case you were unaware, he can also boogie. | Photo by Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images

Forgive me my sunny disposition.

After the long Memorial Day holiday weekend in the U.S. kicked off with the white smoke of a new pope for the Islanders faithful, we start the week on a Tuesday eager to hear what Mathieu Darche is cooking.

It’s a new era for the Islanders. If the Malkin-Ledecky acquisition brought money, an arena, stable ownership and an end to the bargain-basement ways, and Lou Lamoriello brought stability...more stability...and, okay, maybe that’s a little too much stability, then the appointment of Darche should bring someone who is well-versed in the business, salary cap and talent needs of the modern game.

No longer will “Hey, we paid someone to take Nick Leddy” or “add Duclair and Tsyplakov and we believe in the group” be sold as contender-level summers. It may take a few offseasons to position the Isles back into contention, but I’m hopeful we won’t hear a line of [copy + paste + repeat] about where the franchise is on the route there.

This, of course, could blow up in our face and I could feel foolish for my optimism — both are legit risks, always — but for the first time in quite a while I feel hopeful and interested. Of all the rumored possible outcomes of the Isles GM search (Holland, Jarmo, Bergevin), this is the one I quietly hoped for.

Islanders News​

  • Darche is making the most of his second (or is it third?) career. [NHL]
  • Seven facts about Darche. [Isles]
  • Not a ton more here, honestly, but a guy who’s covered the Lightning for a long time agrees Darche is a smart dude. [Newsday]
  • Even less here, but hey, sharing the excitement for Darche. [Elmonters]
  • Important to give Darche authority over the hockey operation, dammit. [THN]
  • Late in the 32 Thoughts Podcast: Evidently Lane Lambert is a serious candidate for the Kraken job; that would be the third meh HC hire for them in a row. [Sportsnet]

Elsewhere​

  • Against trend, the Hurricanes got a shutout from Frederik Andersen to avoid elimination against the Panthers. After a megaton of Eastern Conference final losses, it’s their first win in this round since Rod Brind’Amour was a goal scorer. [NHL]
  • Sam Reinhart is still officially “day to day” but he hasn’t been on the ice yet, so... [NHL]
  • I feel like Brad Marchand has been a tool who needed to pass age 30 to grow up a little (and learn not to lick guys), but it sounds like he’s come around and has a good head on his shoulders. [Athletic]
  • The U.S. won gold in OT at the Worlds for the first time in nine decades and honored the late Johnny Gaudreau. [NHL]
  • After bouncing around the NHL this season, Erik Brannstrom has said enough of that noise. [TSN]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...l-news-darche-download-hurricanes-dodge-death
 
Islanders and NHL News: Stars on the brink, the #1 pick debate

Dallas Stars v Edmonton Oilers - Game Three

Alberta in late May. | Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

We are on the precipice of a Stanley Cup final rematch.

It’s Tuesday. Do you know where you’re GM is?

He might be on a red couch.

Islanders News​

  • It’s a long to-do list for Mathieu Darche, including evaluating the coach and the thin front office (which was an affront to humanity under Garth Snow, but “Oh that’s just Lou” under Lou Lamoriello). [Athletic]
  • Apparently that to-do list includes calling some season ticket holders. [THN]
  • On James Hagens and how projections evolved for this draft class: “He’s not my No. 2 ranked player, or that of almost any NHL scout I’ve talked to, but it’s perfectly within the realm of possibilities that Hagens ends up the pure best player in the class, surpassing Schaefer, and even more reasonable that he could end up the best forward in the draft. This isn’t a Connor Bedard or Macklin Celebrini draft where the difference from 1 to 5 is gigantic. But Hagens becoming the best player in the draft is not the likely outcome...” [Athletic]
  • The guys discuss the pre-holiday GM news, and yet more Masterleaf Theatre foder. [Islanders Anxiety podcast]
  • The photos you didn’t know you needed: Mathieu Darche on a red couch, and other settings. [Isles]
  • Prospect Report: Some OHL progress and a USHL championship for Muskegon and Xavier Veilleux, who has two more X’s in his name than you do. (Except you, Max. And you, Maxwell. Okay and you, too, Felix Fox.) [Isles]

Elsewhere​

  • The Oilers won their third straight, putting the Stars on the brink and down 3-1 in the series. [NHL | Sportsnet]
  • Brad Shaw, most recently assistant and then interim coach in Philadelphia, has joined the Devils bench after the Flyers hired Rick Tocchet. [TSN]
  • Apparently there is another Winter Classic, and tickets are on sale soon. [NHL]
  • Jeff Blashill thinks he’s ready for his second chance as an NHL head coach...unfortunately he hast to do it with the Blackhawks. [Sportsnet]
  • GTF outta here with that stupid headline and stupid premise. [Post]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...ers-nhl-news-stars-oilers-draft-first-overall
 
Islanders & NHL News: Darche to meet the family; Panthers run continues

Toronto Maple Leafs v New York Islanders

It is time for a new mentor. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The new GM and Exec VP will see you now.

No major Islanders news from Wednesday other than the announcement that there will be news on Thursday: Mathieu Darche meets the press at 11 a.m. EDT on Thursday, a week after his hiring was announced and after he’s gotten his bearings and spoken with a few season ticket holders.

Personally, maybe the glow of the hire is still blinding me, but I like how they’ve handled this: hiring secured and confirmed before the U.S. Memorial Day weekend, but no reason to rush things in the offseason in terms of getting him in front of the microphones last weekend or early this week. Take the time, prepare, and figure out whether that Kyle Palmieri contract offer is in a no-takebacks locked drawer.

The presser will be streamed live on the Islanders site and in the app, another good sign for immediate communication with the people who fund this exorbitant entertainment product.

Expect more headlines today.

Islanders News​


What else is there, but whatever Darche says?

  • Before Darche says them, some Andrew Gross answers about him. [Island Ice SoundCloud]
  • And other than the #1 pick question (which he of course won’t answer), of course the biggest question will be the future of Patrick Roy. [Post]
  • A Lightning AHL exec is out; does that mean he’s Isles-bound? [THN]
  • Granted, these two are absolute insufferable dweebs, but they had Cal Clutterbuck on their podcast to talk about the John Tavares departure and about life under Lou Lamoriello’s constant presence, including how he made sure they were prepared for the Covid bubble playoffs. [THN]

Elsewhere​

  • Alex Barkov continues to be the man. A late goal set up by his wizardry ensures the Panthers advance to their third consecutive Cup final. It’s not a dynasty (well, except maybe by watered-down Detroit standards, those sad Shanahan-dependent sacks), but it’s pretty damn impressive. And how great is it that the worst characters in Canadian hockey media have to deal with six straight years of Florida teams in the Cup final?
  • A dirty hit by a Marchment?! You don’t say! Zach Hyman is out for probably the rest of the playoffs, but for all those Oilers fans who looked the other way while Bryan Marchment was a Ulf-level dirty bastard, I can only say that karma is a bitch with a long memory.
  • Alright alright, let’s not overthink this, but Paul Maurice opposes having coaches and staff in the handshake line: “Maurice said several weeks ago that he isn’t sure when the post-round handshake expanded to include coaches, and figures someone years ago did it just to either be seen or grab some television time. He said when he started coaching, people in the suits weren’t in those handshake moments.” [Sportsnet]
  • Even if his Stars fall short again, GM Jim Nill is an astute and humble architect. [Sportsnet]
  • The three as of now remaining head coach vacancies all have meh candidates in the mix. [Sportsnet]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...-darche-media-panthers-clutterbuck-lamoriello
 
Islanders Announce Re-signings of Kyle Palmieri, Adam Boqvist

New York Islanders v Winnipeg Jets

We’re staying... | Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images

Were they in the drawer all along?

One day after introducing their new GM Mathieu Darche to the press, the Islanders showed a bit of new-wave transparency by announcing the re-signings of two pending free agents.

Kyle Palmieri gets a two-year deal — $4.75 million AAV per Puckpedia — and a first-year no-trade clause, second-year modified (16 teams) NTC.

Restricted free agent Adam Boqvist, a mid-season waiver pickup from Florida, gets one year at $850,000. He’ll still be a RFA when that concludes. This is a prove-it deal for a player who injected some life when the blueline was ravaged by injuries, and even filled in at forward.

The more notable re-signing is Palmieri, even if it was long expected. The pending unrestricted free agent was famously held on to at the trade deadline, with Lou Lamoriello — who didn’t want to trade Brock Nelson, either — saying contract discussions with Palmieri were underway.

Then we heard nothing. Were the deals already signed, but just “in the drawer” for Lou to reveal in the manner and timing of his choosing? Was there pause, given uncertainty around the Status Quo GM?

Don’t know for sure. Elliotte Friedman thinks they were both agreed to prior, and now honored under the new GM.


$4.75M AAV…believe both of these deals had been agreed to before Mathieu Darche’s hiring, but obviously happily honoured https://t.co/Bez9DywE1C

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 30, 2025​
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Either way, here we are. Unsigned, Palmieri was no longer a tradable asset (unless you count UFA signing rights, which don’t fetch much). Signed, he’s at least an asset who should still help next season — he’s coming off two 82-game seasons of 30 and 24 goals — and might be tradable in the following one as Darche assesses what he’s inherited.

Now, back to the NHL draft and the AHL overhaul...
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/5/30/24440272/islanders-re-signing-kyle-palmieri-adam-boqvist
 
Weird Islanders: The Podcast! - James Wisniewski (with guest Ryan aka @RattMartin)

Weird_Islanders_art.0.jpg


They were making a Megazord of a defenseman, except it it spat out a guy who wasn’t that great.

Joined by friend and Skates at the Stakes co-host Ryan, we discuss defenseman James Wisniewski, who is more remembered for one regrettable incident than his quality play.

Wisniewski was already well-traveled before he was acquired by the Islanders to augment their blueline offense. But when Mark Streit went down with an injury in the preseason, Wisniewski became a key contributor and point producer... until one game against the Rangers and a decision that got him suspended. Over the course of another month and a half, he endured a long losing streak, a coach firing and getting accosted by a Long Island nurse just before Christmas. Then he was traded to Montreal before the end of the calendar year, leaving just as quickly as he arrived.

There was a reason he played for so many teams - James Wisniewski was pretty good! He found ways to produce no matter where he played. Unfortunately, he also found new ways to get suspended, which also probably explains why he was moved so often.

For Ryan, this season was his first as an Islanders fan and that fateful date with the Rangers was his first ever live game experience. We talk about Wisniewski’s crazy career, his early hockey blogging, how his game should be soundtracked by Linkin Park and other on-the-fly fun facts.

We also throw in a bonus Weird Islander! Johan Sundstrom was drafted with the pick the Islanders got from the Canadiens for Wisniewski and was expected to be the next Frans Nielsen but ended up having a short North American career with a few odd footnotes.

Thanks again to Ryan for coming on. Be sure to subscribe to Skates at the Stakes. And yes, we held this back so it would be Episode 69.

WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL!

  • The Ducks’ tough negotiations with pending UFA Wisniewski was the Islanders’ gain, as GM Garth Snow acquired the defenseman for just a third round pick in 2010. His point totals were good but his suspension and injury history was not.
  • Wisniewski was quickly a valuable member of the Islanders upon his arrival. He could score and he could hit, which was in pretty short supply among their defense corps in 2010.
  • Wisniewski was a great fit for the Islanders. But in a Columbus Day game against the Rangers, he made an unfortunate decision.
  • His suspension for two games was a big news story at the time, as were a lot of things involving Sean Avery.
  • My favorite all time James Wisniewski story: December 10, 2010, he, Doug Weight and Andew MacDonald are visiting sick kids at Nassau University Medical Center, where they got an earful from a nurse who happened to be an Islanders season ticket holder. “...it’s to the point where we kind of had to walk away.”
  • Shortly after that, Wisniewski was traded to Montreal for a second round pick. He was the Islanders’ third leading scorer at the time.
  • He brought the same quality play to the Habs when he was traded there.
  • Wisniewski joined the Blue Jackets on the same day Jeff Carter did in 2011. Unlike Carter, he stayed in Columbus and was a contributing player for a number of years. He also got a Classic Brendan Shanahan suspension video for his troubles.

What makes a “Weird Islander?”

We’re always open to suggestions about other Weird Islanders to discuss. Remember the criteria. Candidates must fulfill one of the two of the following:

  • Played one (1) season or less for the Islanders or very short stints over multiple seasons.
  • Be a veteran NHLer who is not generally associated with his time on Islanders.

Subscribe to our Patreon! Members get ad-free episodes of all our shows, bonus podcasts, written posts, discounts and much more.


Visit our friends!

  • Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys featuring hundreds of classic hockey logos, as well as Islanders Anxiety merch, and our Al Arbour and The Island shirts. Our portion of the sales benefit the Center for Dementia Research. Use the code ANXIETY20 to save 20% off an order of two items.
  • The Pinot Project has Rosé, Pinot Grigio and a Pinot Noir that was named a 2024 Top 100 Best Buy by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. All are under $15 a bottle and are available at local wine shops and at UBS Arena.
  • Islanders Anxiety podcasts are part of the Fans First Sports Network (@FansFirstSN).
  • Theme song: “Knuckles” by Björn Falk. Hear more of his music on Spotify and at Bandcamp.
  • Drum sfx via Zapsplat.com. Jingle bell sfx also via ZapSplat.

Please subscribe, download, rate, review or spread the word about Islanders Anxiety, Weird Islanders: The Podcast! and all of our podcasts any way you can. All of it helps to raise the show’s profile and maybe could get us another fancy sponsor to sell out to in the near future. Leave us a five star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

All Islanders Anxiety podcasts are available on:

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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...ski-guest-ryan-rattmartin-sean-avery-incident
 
Islanders News: Darche speaks, Roy stays but with new staff

New York Islanders Name Mathieu Darche General Manager

Here’s hoping he’s around for 30, and 35. | Photo by Dennis DaSilva/NHLI via Getty Images

Also: We’ve got a rematch in the Cup final. Hope it’s different than 1984.

We met our new GM yesterday, and he did not disappoint. Nice suit. Tasteful lapel pin. Ready to “build our own legacy.”

You can watch the whole thing here, or check various versions of Cliff Notes in the links below.

Islanders News​

  • Mathieu Darche grew up with the Islanders winning the Cup every year — Mike Bossy was his idol, bless him — and the electricity at the Coliseum when Anthony Beauvillier forced Game 7 left an impression. [NHL]
  • He views it as an honor to take over the team. [Isles]
  • He’ll keep Roy (but the Lou/Devils assistants are out), will evaluate the assistant GMs, keep the 1st overall pick and overhaul the coaching staff in Bridgeport. [Isles | Post]
  • You saw a glimpse of his philosophy, with a focus on player development including the neglected AHL. [Newsday]
  • Best: Good first impression from the new guy. [Newsday]
  • He also shared an update on Bo Horvat: It’s an ankle injury, expected to be 4-6 weeks, so should not interfere with training camp. [Isles]
  • With the cap rising, here are five RFAs that could be trade candidates, including Noah Dobson. [Athletic]

Elsewhere​

  • We have a Stanley Cup final rematch: Jake Oettinger was bounced after the first two shots, and the Oilers cruised past Dallas in a disappointingly anticlimactic Western final. [NHL]
  • Alas, they reach the finals with Zach Hyman on the sideline. [NHL]
  • Lane Lambert gets his second chance as an NHL head coach, with the Kraken. [NHL]
  • That means the Penguins job may be the last head coach opening; it offers Crosby and a whole host of problems. [Athletic]
  • Jonathan Toews continues to aim for a comeback at age 37. [NHL] Winnipeg could be a suitor. [TSN]
  • The Leafs will “have to see” about UFA Mitch Marner. I don’t think he’s giving you that option, sir. [TSN]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...news-mathieu-darche-patrick-roy-introductions
 
Islanders Anxiety - Episode 337 - Free Bagels in the Lounge

Islanders_Anxiety_Art___2023.0.jpg


Think of all the amazing B-roll video we missed out on.

Mike and Dan recap Mathieu Darche’s introductory press conference and his first decisions as Islanders GM.

The most amazing thing about Darche’s first press conference as Islanders GM was just how normal it was. From streaming it on the team’s website to the little jokes about learning everyone’s names, the hour-long presser was as by-the-book as it gets, which is why the new guy came off pretty well. Announcing there would be new assistant coaches and a new staff for the bedraggled AHL team was icing on the pound cake. We got clarity on the head coach - again, not a surprise - but one name wasn’t heard, which was all the opening some folks needed to start wondering about whether or not the team was in the right hands.

Darche then signed two players to contracts that were most likely already in his desk drawer by the time he sat behind it for the first time. Kyle Palmieri’s new deal is a bit of a hometown discount and a devil-you-know-versus-the-devil-you-don’t scenario. At a modest number and just two years, it gives him the stability he wants while also letting the Islanders move him next year should things go sideways. If he scores in his usual neighborhood of goals, it could turn out great. Adam Boqvist also returns on a cheap one year deal with an RFA expiry. What position he plays next season is anyone’s guess.

All of this is very sensible, especially for a new GM with a lot on his plate. The only question is: why was Mitt Romney sitting next to him at that press conference?

We also take a few minutes to talk about the Stanley Cup final rematch, featuring our allies the Florida Panthers versus the Edmonton Oilers, who just might be pissed off enough from last year to sneak past the Cats this time.

REFERENCES


Subscribe to our Patreon! Members get ad-free episodes of all our shows, bonus podcasts, written posts, discounts and much more. Or follow us for free to get announcements and our weekly release calendar.

PLUGS!​

  • Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, as well as the full line of Islanders Anxiety merch. As always our portion of those sales go directly to the Center for Dementia Research.
  • The Pinot Project has a Rosé, a Pinot Grigio and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Pinot Noir, all under $15 a bottle. Available at local wine stores and UBS Arena.
  • Visit Lighthousehockey.com for the most up-to-date Islanders news and discussion.
  • Islanders Anxiety podcasts are part of the Fans First Sports Network (@FansFirstSN).

Theme song: “Morning Haze” by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music on Spotify.


Please subscribe, download, rate, review or spread the word about Islanders Anxiety, Weird Islanders: The Podcast! and all of our podcasts any way you can. All of it helps to raise the show’s profile and maybe could get us another fancy sponsor to sell out to in the near future. Leave us a five star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

All Islanders Anxiety podcasts are available on:

Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...-mathieu-darche-introductory-press-conference
 
Islanders and NHL News: The wait

2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft - Rounds 2-7

Hi, guy. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Waiting for the final, waiting for the draft.

One more day before the beginning of the Stanley Cup final, and a few more weeks before the Islanders’ future resumes with the #1 overall pick.

Who are you rooting for in the final, and why is it Florida? (Did you know when the franchise was first awarded in a rush because Blockbuster and Disney money was available, they originally called the franchise South Florida?) So anyway...Panthers vs. Oilers: You more of an endangered species/wildlife guy, or a resource extraction fella?

Islanders News​

  • Prospect Report: Jesse Nurmi is a Memorial Cup champ with the London Knights. [Isles]
  • Islanders Anxiety: What a sensible, reasonable, appropriate introduction from the new GM. [LHH]
  • Sign your kid up for the Thomas Hickey street hockey clinic. Broadcasting tips may cost extra. [Isles]

Elsewhere​

  • Aleksander Barkov is the perfect dude (and a great player) for the Panthers. [NHL]
  • Paul Maurice is humbled by how this Panthers group has altered his life. [NHL]
  • The Bruins have evidently narrowed their coaching search to two finalists, with a winner — not interim Joe Sacco — to be announced soon. [TSN]
  • Rumor roundup: Can the Stars smooth things over with their goalie? Also, maybe the Penguins aren’t in a hurry to name their next head coach. [Sportsnet]
  • Jesper Fast is retiring from hockey at 33 after an Erik Gudbranson crosscheck to the back in a meaningless game caused him to crash into the boards and miss all of last season following neck surgery. [Sportsnet]
  • The Lightning sign Yanni Gourde to an Islanders-style, lifetime deal (six years) at reduced AAV. [Sportsnet]
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2025/6/3/24442105/islanders-jesse-nurmi-stanley-cup-final
 
NHL News: Sturm und drang und Game 2; Brock cashes in with Colorado

San Jose Sharks v New York Islanders

Yeah but see, it’s not that Sturm. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

All this Stanley Cup final talk is just the warmup to the Islanders at the draft, right?

Game 2 of what is hopefully an excellent Stanley Cup final series is Friday night. Game 1 did not disappoint, other than the OT winner being scored on a power play from the puck-over-the-glass rule. It’s an understandable rule, just a bummer when it plays a role in pivotal moments like that one.

Meanwhile:

  • Isles prospect Quinn Finley had a nice sophomore season at NCAA Wisconsin. [Isles]
  • Well, even though it involves two tiny markets, all involved hope the Cup final series is riveting. Agreed. [NHL]
  • Former player out, former player in: Interim Joe Sacco has been rejected for the full-time head coach role in Boston, which they gave to former Bruin and Shark Marco Sturm. Sturm und drang is a great German phrase, if you must know. [NHL]
  • Holy cow: Brock Nelson gets a three-year deal from Colorado at $7.5M AAV. I’m probably naive and I know there’s a rising cap, but I did not expect that AAV. [Denver Sports | Newsday]
  • Awkward: Former Rangers head coach David Quinn is back as an assistant on Mike Sullivan’s staff. Apparently Sacco will also join them, I’m sure it will work out great. [NHL]
  • Since former Islanders 91 The Lesser really wants to stay in Toronto, maybe they pitch him on an Islanders-style, long-term, low AAV deal. [Sportsnet]
  • In lieu of an awards show, the NHL is seeking “viral moments” with its post-season awards announcements. This one feels a little over the top but if Johnny Gaudreau’s widow and Masterton winner Sean Monahan’s wife are up for it, then I suppose it’s justified:

Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith, surprised Sean Monahan with the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

Watch the #NHLAwards on June 12 at 6p ET on @NHL_On_TNT and @Sportsnet before Game 4 of the #StanleyCup Final. pic.twitter.com/njj3I7YptA

— NHL (@NHL) June 5, 2025​
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Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...rang-und-game-2-brock-cashes-in-with-colorado
 
J-G Pageau: Offseason trade bait, or part of the Islanders’ transition?

New York Islanders v Columbus Blue Jackets

Final season, or final offseason? | Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images

The new GM has a few areas where he can make bigger moves with the roster this summer or at the trade deadline.

In the setup for the NHL’s premier showcase, we’re in the bizarrely quiet phase as we wait several days for the start of the Stanley Cup final rematch on Wednesday.

For the Islanders, it is the quiet between the naming (and introduction) of new GM Mathieu Darche and the NHL draft that will consume his focus until June 27-28.

There are of course other matters for Darche to attend to as well, including filling out staff (some may have been filled out/renewed before he arrived, though consider the source), doling out qualifying offers to RFAs and preparing for potential trades during draft weekend.

That last one is a topic for conversation and offseason roster speculation.

J-G Pageau is entering the final season of the six-year deal ($5M AAV) he signed in one of Lou Lamoriello’s first big in-season moves. I’ll always wonder whether his game dropped off after hand/wrist injuries, but regardless of whether that’s a factor, he’s ultimately a 12- to 14-goal guy.

The Athletic has him on the offseason trade board with this description and financial note:

Pageau is elite in the faceoff circle and a strong penalty killer who is due just $3.5 million in actual salary next season. He does own a 16-team no-trade clause.
Click to expand...

There was some feeling that Pageau was able to shine more after Brock Nelson was traded, but really he was no more productive. He had a three-point game that trade deadline week but otherwise was his usual self, except with a couple more minutes of ice time per game.

He makes a nice PK combo/shorthanded threat with Simon Holmstrom, and he’s no longer all that expensive in this day and cap age. He’s probably not someone that a team targets in a big offseason acquisition, or rather he may carry nearly as much value as a rental at next season’s trade deadline.

And that’s probably the decision Darche faces with Pageau: Does he provide more value for the first 60 games of next season plus trade return (or hey, maybe continuing to contribute on a playoff-bound team), or as a trade piece for Darche’s first moves to put his stamp on the roster?

Islanders News​

  • Enjoy photos of some Islanders fellas from their respective scouting combines. [Isles]
  • Podcast impressions of Darche’s first impression: Isles Fix | Island Ice
  • Refreshingly, Darche answered lots of questions, and directly. [Athletic]

This could be true, but also the source “hearing” things could be, um, a hit-and-miss type:


Hearing Lou Lamiorello extended Assistant GM’s Chris Lamiorello and Steve Pellegrini with multi year extensions just prior to departing the organization. https://t.co/1UH3T5qvaT

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) May 30, 2025​
Click to expand...

Elsewhere​

  • The Panthers and Oilers anticipated a rematch, and believe they meet again with deeper, better squads. [NHL]
  • Jake Oettinger aims to improve after falling flat against the Oilers. [NHL]
  • How Paul Maurice keeps things light. [TSN]
  • Bourne: The Leafs will need to get creative this offseason. [Sportsnet]
  • Thousands showed up for a 5K in memory of the Gaudreau brothers. [NHL]
  • Matt Duchene would like to stay with the Stars. [NHL]
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.lighthousehockey.com/20...landers-jg-pageau-offseason-trade-bait-darche
 
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