After overseeing the NHL’s top-ranked face-off unit, Patrick Roy’s trusted confidant transitions to the front office to bolster the organization’s scouting department with his elite technical expertise.
EAST MEADOW, NY -- The New York Islanders have hired former assistant coach Benoit Desrosiers as a pro scout.
Desrosiers, 37, joined Patrick Roy's staff with the Islanders shortly after the Hall of Fame goaltender took over behind the bench on Jan. 20, 2024.
He remained on the staff after Pete DeBoer took over, with four games left in the 2025-26 regular season, before being relieved of his duties. The Islanders elevated Rocky Thompson from Bridgeport in his place.
Desrosiers’ primary job was in the face-off circle, working closely with the centers on their technique while also ensuring that the wingers were in position to support draws and breakout structures.
The team had tremendous success over its two-and-a-half seasons on Long Island, winning 53.6 percent of its draws.
That was tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the league lead over that span.
“I have nothing to do with face-offs. That’s Benny,” Roy said last season. “He’s been working with those guys, and they work hard at it, and they've been performing really well. I mean, and I think this is something that guys are putting a lot of pride in, but it's not only the centermen. It's also the wingers jumping in, getting those loose pucks, and bringing it back. That makes it a win for our centermen. So the fact that our guys are face-off ready helps us.”
Desrosiers is incredibly bright, incredibly detail-oriented, and should be able to get a coaching job in the NHL again in the near future.
But, as he waits for that next opportunity, it's great to see him sticking in hockey, at the NHL level.
