According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the New York Islanders are closing in on their next General Manager. Pagnotta did not provide specifics but mentioned that Mathieu Darche and Marc Bergevin remain in the conversation. Arthur Staple of The Athletic confirmed Pagnotta’s findings.
Neither name is surprising, as the Islanders reportedly gave both a second interview a few days ago. Still, as Staple notes, it could prove a hurdle if the Islanders hope to hire Brendan Shanahan. Yesterday, New York reportedly received permission to interview Shanahan. Although the Toronto Maple Leafs announced they will proceed without him, he may not appreciate that a General Manager was appointed before him.
Whoever is ultimately named the Islanders’ next General Manager will have an important task ahead of them in the coming weeks. Aside from the needed roster changes, the Islanders won the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery on May 5th, giving them this summer’s first overall pick.
Other notes from the Metropolitan Division:
- Yesterday, Sammi Silber of DC Backcheck briefly overviewed the Washington Capitals’ pending unrestricted free agents heading into the offseason. The quartet of Lars Eller, Andrew Mangiapane, Anthony Beauvillier, and Taylor Raddysh could all head for greener pastures in a few weeks, and Silber believes the Capitals are prepared to let the former do so. For the remaining three, Silber reports that the hockey operations department will discuss each player’s fit with the club and potential replacements before starting contract negotiations with any.
- Although he only joined the Chicago Blackhawks earlier today, Michael Peca had reportedly been unemployed for a few weeks. According to an article from Mollie Walker of the New York Post, Peca and the New York Rangers had agreed to part ways when the team hired Mike Sullivan on May 2nd.