The New York Islanders have become a significant point of interest this offseason. While several NHL teams are seeking new coaches, the Islanders are reportedly the only franchise actively looking for a new general manager.
Following the decision not to extend the contract of the 82-year-old Lou Lamoriello, the Islanders are now accepting applications for the role. According to reports, the organization is open to different approaches for the hire.
They might opt for hiring a President of Hockey Operations to oversee the entire department, who would then be responsible for hiring a general manager. Alternatively, they could directly appoint someone to handle the day-to-day duties of the GM position.
Hockey analysts have suggested potential candidates. For a President of Hockey Operations role focused on building the organization, former executives like Ken Holland (from the Red Wings and Oilers) are considered obvious names. Ed Olczyk has also been mentioned for such a high-level, non-GM position.
Regarding potential General Managers, two names with recent NHL GM experience have surfaced: Marc Bergevin and Jarmo Kekalainen. Bergevin, who previously led the Montreal Canadiens, is credited with acquiring key players like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Kaiden Guhle who contributed to Montreal`s unexpected success this year. Kekalainen, the former Columbus Blue Jackets GM for over a decade, despite the team`s struggles towards the end of his tenure, is seen as having laid the groundwork for Columbus`s near-playoff appearance this season. Their previous body of work is considered a positive factor.
Sources indicate that this position will attract many qualified applicants. The Islanders are described as a good organization with supportive ownership and strong resources. Lou Lamoriello was given significant autonomy in running hockey operations, and while future leadership might involve more collaboration between hockey and business sides, candidates can expect to be allowed to manage their department.
Reflecting on Lamoriello`s tenure, he is widely praised for his work on Long Island. He successfully navigated the loss of captain John Tavares in 2018 and guided the team to the Eastern Conference Final (the final four) in both 2020 and 2021, losing each time to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Even towards the end, he made a notable trade involving Brock Nelson that brought in a future first-round pick and a prospect.
It`s speculated that the tireless Lamoriello might still find a role with another NHL team, with some wondering if an organization like Buffalo might reach out to him.
Separately, there`s speculation regarding the future of defenceman Erik Karlsson in Pittsburgh. Acquired by GM Kyle Dubas after a high-point season, Karlsson has spent two disappointing years with the Penguins. Reports suggest he is increasingly likely to be traded again in 2025, particularly after receiving a bonus around July 1st, which would make his remaining cash salary lower and thus more tradable. Teams interested would likely try to leverage Pittsburgh to either retain salary or include additional assets in the deal.
