The New York Islanders recently announced Mathieu Darche as their new GM. It will be interesting to see what he has in store for his new club this off-season. With core players like Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal and Ilya Sorokin under long-term contracts, Darche [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/islanders-general-manager-mathieu-darche-calls-season-ticket-holders-to-thank-them-for-their-support] could attempt to retool around those players rather than stage a full roster rebuild. He could also lock up RFA defenseman Noah Dobson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/contract-talks-ahead-for-islanders-noah-dobson-following-team-canada-s-shocking-world-championship-elimination] to a lengthy new deal. Some observers wonder if Horvat might be available because this summer's free-agent market is thin on quality centers. The 30-year-old Horvat could fetch a good return if Darche wants to shake things up. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli thinks [https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/could-the-islanders-trade-bo-horvat] Darche could be patient and see what offers he gets for Horvat. However, he also believes the Isles [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders] need his skills and experience if they intend to stage a quick turnaround next season. Horvat is signed through 2030-31 [https://puckpedia.com/player/bo-horvat] with an average annual value of $8.5 million. He also carries a full no-trade clause through 2026-27. Meanwhile, Kyle Palmieri faces uncertainty over his future with the Islanders. Russ Macias of NYI Hockey Now indicated [https://nyihockeynow.com/new-york-islanders-kyle-palmieri-darche-nhl-news-free-agency/] former GM Lou Lamoriello opened contract extension talks with the 34-year-old left winger. However, those discussions were put on hold when Lamoriello was fired in April. Palmieri's future now becomes among the key issues for Darche to address. Macias believes Darche should retain Palmieri on a short-term contract unless his asking price is absurd, speculating he might accept a pay cut from his $5 million average annual value [https://puckpedia.com/player/kyle-palmieri] to stay on Long Island. The Hockey News' Adam Proteau [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/six-pending-nhl-free-agents-who-helped-their-case-this-season], meanwhile, thinks Palmieri averaging 51 points over the past two seasons could help his case for getting more on his next contract than expected. The Hockey News’ Michael Ostrower [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/how-mathieu-darche-s-hiring-could-boost-islanders-chances-of-landing-lightning-s-unsigned-prospect-isaac-howard] also mentioned Darche’s experience with the Tampa Bay Lightning as their assistant GM. The Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning] haven’t signed Hobey Baker winner Isaac Howard to an entry-level contract. While there’s only speculation about whether the Lightning will trade him or not, Darche’s Islanders could provide Howard with a better opportunity to play in the NHL sooner and climb the lineup. Kyle Palmieri (Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/54392c55-f762-4fcb-87db-942466ecff4d.jpeg] Kyle Palmieri (Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images) In Winnipeg, Nikolaj Ehlers' future with the Jets [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets] remains among the hot topics of interest in the rumor mill. The 29-year-old right winger is UFA-eligible after completing a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $6 million. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff indicated [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/nhl-rumor-roundup-the-latest-on-nikolaj-ehlers-and-brock-boeser] that he intends to pitch an offer that would make Ehlers a “Jet for life.” The Athletic's Murat Ates reported [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6371613/2025/05/23/winnipeg-jets-who-stays-who-goes/] earlier this week that Cheveldayoff spent two hours talking with Ehlers' agent on May 19. Ates believes that discussion is a positive sign. Nevertheless, he also felt that Jets management is preparing for life without Ehlers. Proteau believes [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/as-ufa-season-looms-jets-must-weigh-the-risk-of-re-signing-nikolaj-ehlers] they shouldn't get into a bidding war for Ehlers, partly because of his subpar post-season stats. He suggested Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks] might be a better option. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
