Rumors of big off-season changes for the New York Islanders had been percolating since the March 7 trade deadline.
They wasted little time getting started, not bringing back GM Lou Lamoriello last week.
Led by team co-owner John Collins, the Islanders are searching for Lamoriello’s replacement. It would be ideal to have the new GM in place by the end of May, giving them enough time to prepare for the 2025 NHL draft on June 27 and 28 and the start of free agency on July 1.
The Hockey News’ Stefen Rosner said some top candidates might not be available to interview for the position while the Stanley Cup playoffs are on. They can, however, prepare to move quickly once they do become available.
The Athletic’s Arthur Staple reported former NHL GMs, such as Marc Bergevin, Jarmo Kekalainen and Peter Chiarelli, are among the names getting the most play. However, it remains to be seen if the Isles choose one of them or opt for someone else.
Whoever gets the job has a lot to deal with throughout the summer.
Ethan Sears of the New York Post reported Isles coach Patrick Roy and his staff remain in limbo until Lamoriello’s replacement is found. He believes Roy’s future behind their bench depends on whether he can establish a rapport with the new GM.
Rosner reacted to the Pittsburgh Penguins parting with coach Mike Sullivan on Monday, calling it a game-changer for the Islanders and any team with coaching questions.
Before his firing, Lamoriello was having contract extension talks with Kyle Palmieri, but those discussions are on hold for now. The 34-year-old right winger is slated to become a UFA on July 1.
Sears wondered if the new GM would entertain trade offers for long-time Isles forwards Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Lee, 34, and the 32-year-old Pageau are a year away from UFA eligibility.
Defensemen Noah Dobson, Alexander Romanov and winger Simon Holmstrom are the Islanders’ notable RFAs.
Before Lamoriello’s firing, Staple believed both defensemen would be re-signed. He speculated the 25-year-old Dobson could get a four or five-year contract worth an average annual value of $7.5 million and $8 million. Romanov could receive a six or seven-year deal between $6.5 million and $7 million annually.
The changes in Islanders management likely won’t affect the club’s plans to re-sign Dobson and Romanov. They’re too valuable to their blueline to trade, and they won’t risk another club signing them to offer sheets.
Contract buyouts could also take place under new management. Sears suggested forward Pierre Engvall and defenseman Scott Mayfield as buyout candidates.
The Hockey News’ Adam Proteau, meanwhile, believes the Islanders should be more aggressive pursuing a full rebuild with a new GM.
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