When the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the New York Islanders in 2020 and 2021, Julien Brisbois was Tampa's general manager. 

However, the Director of Hockey Operations at that time was a man named Mathieu Darche, who joined Tampa's organization after Steve Yzerman left for the Detroit Red Wings ahead of the 2019-20 season. 

The now 48-year-old had a nine-year NHL career after going undrafted following a four-year collegiate career at McGill University. Over those nine years, he played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, and  Lightning before ending his career with the Montreal Canadiens. 

He hung up his skates following the 2011-12 season. 

After a few seasons as the Director of Hockey Operations, Darche added assistant GM to his resume ahead of the 2022-23 season, currently holding both positions. 

While Brisbois has called the shots on some significant moves throughout the last few years, including the Mikhail Sergachev trade, not re-signing aging Steven Stamkos, locking up Jake Guentzel, and the acquisitions of Nick Paul and Brandon Hagel, as well as the re-acquisition of Yanni Gourde and Ryan McDonagh, Darche has played his part. 

Contrary to popular belief, Darche has done contract extension by himself:

IslesCave (@IslesCave) on X Since Mathieu Darche took his role in Tampa he has been in charge of maneuvering/managing the salary cap as well as contract negotiations. Some of Tampa Bays contracts have been negotiated strictly between Darche and Agent. Salary cap “mastermind” #Isles

The more you listen to Darche's mindset, the more you think he'd be perfect for the Islanders vacancy as the organization looks to retool. 

"We identify needs. We identify players that we think some teams might move," Darche said in an interview with Block Party. "Sometimes you call the teams. They say, 'I'm not moving him, I'm not moving him. And sometimes you might call the team you don't expect to move him, but you just give him an offer that, well, now, 'maybe I should move him now.' You want a player. Let's not waste time. 'I want him'. 'Alright, you want this? I'll give him to you because it's going to help us now.'"

The belief is that Darche would be highly interested in the job, but further conversations between him and the Islanders aren't likely to happen until the Lightning are eliminated from the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs or go on to win the Stanley Cup for the third time in the last five seasons. 

The Lightning are down three games to one to their in-state rival, the defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers. 

Whenever Tampa's season ends, the Islanders should come calling. 

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.