Mathieu Darche Appointed General Manager and Head of Hockey Operations for Islanders
The New York Islanders announced Friday the hiring of Mathieu Darche as their general manager, a pivotal move that positions the two-time Stanley Cup champion from the Tampa Bay Lightning at the helm of the franchise's hockey operations.
In his new role, Darche will serve as executive vice president and oversee all aspects of the organization’s hockey operations department. This appointment marks his first opportunity to lead an NHL team after a successful tenure with the Lightning.
“Mathieu is the perfect choice to lead our hockey operations,” stated co-owner John Collins, who spearheaded the search for a new GM. “He will be given every resource available to put the Islanders first-in-class on the ice, with our business initiatives and in the community.”
Darche's six-year stint with Tampa Bay was marked by consistent playoff appearances, culminating in back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. As director of hockey operations, he worked closely with Lightning GM Julien BriseBois, solidifying his reputation within the league.
“Mathieu has served as a key member of the Tampa Bay Lightning and has a diverse background in top-level business models,” Collins added. “He is a proven winner and is committed, as is our ownership group, to building a group that will be highly competitive next season and beyond.”
At 48 years old, Darche was widely regarded as the top NHL assistant without a general manager title. He succeeded Lou Lamoriello, whose contract was not renewed after an extensive career in management.
Darche's playing career spanned from 2001 to 2012, during which he participated in 268 regular-season and playoff games with teams including Columbus, Nashville, San Jose, Tampa Bay, and Montreal. After stepping away from hockey for several years, he returned to the sport in Tampa.
Taking charge of the Islanders, Darche inherits a team that holds the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft due to an unexpected lottery win. Additionally, he has over $25 million in salary cap space to enhance a roster that struggled offensively last season.
“With the Islanders owning the first overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft and preparing to welcome the Olympic sendoff at UBS Arena next season, there is much to which our franchise, our players, and our passionate fans can look forward,” Collins remarked. “Mathieu's arrival adds to that momentum.”
Darche will work alongside coach Patrick Roy, a Hall of Fame goaltender known for his passionate coaching style. Roy took over midseason in January 2024 and successfully led the team to a playoff berth.
“I am truly honored by the opportunity,” Darche expressed. “I'd like to thank Scott Malkin, Jon Ledecky, John Collins, and the entire ownership group for entrusting me with the hockey operations of this great franchise.”
With Vezina Trophy finalist Ilya Sorokin signed long-term and a solid veteran core in place, Darche's immediate focus will be on drafting and developing talent capable of boosting an offense that ranked among the lowest in scoring last season.
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