Part of building a successful organization means that talented staff will garner attention from other NHL markets. Such is the case with Tampa Bay Lightning assistant general manager Mathieu Darche, who is reportedly a top candidate in the New York Islanders’ search for a new general manager.
According to Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News, Darche is well into the interview process with the Islanders, signaling heightened interest from the organization after the departure of Lou Lamoriello.
Rosner reported Monday that Darche had completed a second round of interviews and added more detail Wednesday morning, stating, “I can share that Darche had another interview on Tuesday, and I believe there’s another one coming today.”
Darche had a unique path to where he’s at now. After wrapping up his playing career, he transitioned into the business world, working as Vice-President of Sales and Marketing in Canada for Delmar International Inc. In 2019, he was hired by Lightning GM Julien BriseBois when Steve Yzerman took over as the general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. BriseBois and Darche went on to win back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021.