Mathieu Darche’s first big decision is done: Patrick Roy will remain head coach of the Islanders.
“I think Patrick’s a winner,” Darche said. “He’s had success coaching when he came here the first year, he did have success.
“I didn’t know Patrick. I know a lot of people in the hockey world, I’ve been on the phone a lot. I went to meet with him last weekend just to get to know him more and I’m extremely comfortable and extremely excited to be working with him. I know he’s passionate. He works hard.”
It will be Roy’s second full season as coach of the Islanders after a disappointing 35-35-12 record in 2024-25 left the club out of the playoffs and prompted managerial changes, with Lou Lamoriello being let go and Darche installed as general manager.
Roy will be working with a mostly different coaching staff, as John MacLean and Tommy Albelin — both of whom were Lamoriello acolytes — were let go.
So was AHL coach Rick Kowalsky, along with the rest of Bridgeport’s coaching staff.
Benoit Desrosiers, who worked with Roy at the junior level, is being retained.
As for Lamoriello himself, a decision has yet to be made on whether he’ll stick around in an advisory capacity.
He and Darche have met for a handover of information and it is on the new GM to decide whether the old one will stay on as a consultant.
