The New York Islanders have been given permission to speak with Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan, per Elliotte Friedman: 

Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) on X Permission requested — and granted https://t.co/rnZdjmhX7H https://t.co/PxnduG9mJH

Shanahan worked alongside John Collins, who is leading the Islanders' executive search, as the vice president of hockey and business development at the NHL from 2009 to 2011.

Could Mathieu Darche serve as his general manager or Marc Bergevin?

Also, the Seattle Kraken have asked and received permission from the Toronto Maple Leafs to speak with former Islanders assistant and head coach Lane Lambert for their head coaching position, per Darren Dreger: 

Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) on X Seattle continues to work through its process in hiring a head coach. Toronto has granted the Kraken permission to speak with Lane Lambert. Mitch Love and David Quinn believed to be among those in the mix as well.

Lambert, 60, joined Craig Berube's staff as Toronto's associate head coach. He had been a part of Barry Trotz's staff on Long Island from 2018-22. He then replaced Trotz, going 61-46-20 in his season and a half on the bench boss.

On Jan. 20, 2024, Lambert was relieved of his duties, and Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy took his place. 

The Kraken fired head coach Dan Bylsma on Apr. 21. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.