The New York Islanders are narrowing in on their vacant general manager position.

The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun dropped a fantastic, insightful story on Tuesday, discussing the Islanders' executive search and more. 

Check out the story here:

NHL rumblings: Where the Islanders, Ducks, Flyers and Kings stand on coach/GM searches and more Also, could the Capitals' assistants become hot candidates whenever the NHL's surprise team of 2024-25 concludes its playoff run?

Let’s dive into the big points from the piece, with Stefen Rosner offering his insight. 

The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun: Ken Holland sits atop Islanders ownership to fill the vacant position

Stefen Rosner: Holland is someone the Islanders have been interested in from the beginning. Understandably, Holland is not much different from Lamoriello in terms of age and experience. However, I do believe that winning the No. 1 pick at the 2025 NHL Draft has made Holland more of a reality. The longtime executive has been working as an advisor for the NHL since his stint as Edmonton Oilers president and GM ended following the 2023-24 season. For him to take another job, it would have to be worth it. 

LeBrun: Islanders reached out to the Montreal Canadiens to speak to executive vice president Jeff Gorton, but were told he is not leaving Montreal

Rosner: If you listened to Gorton’s end-of-the-season press conference, it was clear his focus was remaining with the Canadiens. For Gorton, coming to Long Island would be a lateral move. He’s established there, and it’s common knowledge that he was displeased he was unable to finish the New York Rangers’ retool, so you know he wants to get the job done in Montreal, the youngest team to qualify for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs this season.

LeBrun: Islanders would like to speak to Los Angeles Kings special advisor Marc Bergevin

Rosner: This is an interesting one as I do believe, at one point or another, the Islanders had spoken to Bergevin about potentially filling the Lamoriello void. However, as LeBrun pointed out in his piece, LA’s season just ended, and team president Luc Robitaille said that the Islanders have not called to talk with Bergevin. We will never know, honestly. What I will say is that, based on Robitaille’s presser, it didn’t seem like he had much to say about Bergevin outside of him being Rob Blake’s guy and adding to an already strong scouting department. It sounded like the Kings would look externally to fill their void with Blake out. 

LeBrun: Islanders also plan to interview Mathieu Darche, Tampa Bay Lightning assistant GM, who was eliminated in Round 1 last week

Rosner: Darche was up for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs general manager positions when they had openings. He’s a hungry executive who has played a hefty role – contrary to popular opinion – in keeping the Tampa Bay Lightning one of the powerhouses in the NHL. I believe he is interested in the Islanders' role.

LeBrun: Plan is for the Islanders to still talk to other candidates whose teams are still in the playoffs, potentially delaying the process

Rosner: I previously mentioned Scott White, the Dallas Stars AGM, and Texas Stars GM, as a potential GM candidate for the Islanders. I wouldn’t be shocked if, like Darche, he gets an interview once Dallas is out…or if they win the Stanley Cup. His ability to grow a minor-league program is a clear need on Long Island. Other names could include Florida Panthers AGM Brett Peterson, Washington Capitals AGMs Ross Mahoney and Don Fishman, Toronto Maple Leafs AGM Brandon Pidham, and Winnipeg Jets AGM Craig Heisinger.

LeBrun: Lou Lamoriello’s contract does not expire until June 30, leaving coach Patrick Roy’s future in the hands of the team’s next GM

Rosner: Some may say semantics, but words matter. The Islanders did not “fire” Lamoriello, per their release. They just were not renewing his contract. He is not involved in finding his replacement – that’s business COO John Collins – but is helping to “tie up loose ends.” Roy’s contract length doesn’t mean anything, since it wasn’t a one-year deal. However, it’s important to note that if Roy is back, a new staff outside of Benoit Desrosiers, who Roy brought in shortly after taking the job, is much needed. Lamoriello hired John MacLean for Lane Lambert and added Tommy Albelin last summer. If it’s Roy’s bench, he should be allowed to bring in his guys. 

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