Mitch Korn, who was the first-ever Director of Goaltending for the newly founded Nashville Predators in 1998, is rejoining Barry Trotz, leaving the New York Islanders after five seasons.
Mitch Korn, who was the first-ever Director of Goaltending for the newly founded Nashville Predators in 1998, is rejoining Barry Trotz, leaving the New York Islanders after five seasons.
Coming over with head coach Barry Trotz from the Washington Capitals after they won the Stanley Cup in 2018, Mitch Korn has served as the New York Islanders Director of Goaltending for six seasons.
But, his time on Long Island has come to an end, as he's rejoining general manager Trotz in Nashville, the organization he spent 15 years with (1998-2014):
Over Korn's time on the island, he's worked with Thomas Griess and Robin Lehner -- two who, together, helped New York win the Jennings Trophy in 2018-19 -- Semyon Varlamov and Ilya Sorokin.
Korn helped Greiss to become a reliable option, even if he was a "backup."
He helped Lehner get through his troubles and play to a level that made him a fan favorite.
He helped Varlamov, who had a shaky end with the Colorado Avalanche, refind his game and become a stable force despite being over 30.
Korn also helped Ilya Sorokin learn the NHL game when he got to North America.
No, Korn wasn't around the team on a daily basis, and he was definitely less and less as the years went on, but he played a pivotal role in the goaltending success.
Piero Greco, who Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello brought over from Toronto in 2018, has served as the club's goaltending coach and is expected to remain in that role.
Per current head coach Patrick Roy, "It's Piero [Greco] that makes the (goalie) decision," Roy said. "I support whatever he says. He follows that. He knows and feels the guys."
As of now, the Islanders have not named a new Director of Goaltending, but it's possible, as we see with the New York Rangers and Benoit Allaire, Greco could be appointed to Korn's role while remaining as the day-to-day goalie coach.