New York Islanders confirmed initial reports, in which Matthew Darche was declared as the team’s general manager.
“Matthew is the perfect option to lead our hockey operations,” said the operating partner of the islanders John Collins. “They will be given the islands available for the first time on ice, with our commercial initiative, and to enter the community.”
Darche, 48, has served as the director of hockey operations for Tampa Bay Lighting in the last six sessions. Lightning qualified for the playoffs in each year of the stretch, in which in 2020 and 2021, capturing the Stanley Cup titles continuously and in the final in 2022.
Tabbed General Manager and Executive Vice President, Darche will replace Lu Lamorialo, who left the Islanders after seven sessions last month.
“I am really awarded the opportunity to be General Manager and Executive Vice President of New York Islands,” said Darche. “I would like to thank Scott Malkin, John Leadeki, John Collins and the entire ownership group with the hockey operation of this great franchise.”
Lamorial, 82, was hired in 2018 as the chairman of New York’s hockey operation. He is a Hockey Hall of Fame Indicate in the Builders Category (2009).
St. Laurent, Cubec, is a native of Darche, a former player who has competed in 250 regular-season NHL games and 18 playoff games, which score 72 regular-CIP (30 goals) in nine sessions for Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville hunters, San Jose Sharks, Lightning and Montreal Canadens.
The islands missed the playoffs in 2024-25 after posting 35–35–12 records.
New York, however, launched the top overall pick of the upcoming 2025 NHL draft earlier this month, despite the 10th best chance of winning 3.5 percent.
“The upcoming NHL draft with the islands is the owner of the first overall pick and is preparing to welcome the Olympic sandoff at UBS Arena next season, our franchise, our players and our emotional fans too much further,” Collins said.
-Bield level media
