The New York Islanders have the man to make the first pick in the draft. The team hired Tampa Bay Lightning assistant general manager Mathieu Darche as its new GM.
Darche, 48, has worked in Tampa Bay's front office since 2019, helping the Lightning win two Stanley Cups. He was viewed by many in the league as GM Julien BriseBois' right-hand man. This will be Darche's first general manager job after being a candidate for a handful of openings over the last several years.
"With the Islanders owning the first overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft and preparing to welcome the Olympic sendoff at UBS Arena next season, there is much to which our franchise, our players, and our passionate fans can look forward," Islanders managing partner John Collins said. "Mathieu's arrival adds to that momentum."
Darche played parts of nine seasons in the league with five different teams. With a commerce degree in marketing and international business from McGill University, Darche also has experience working for the NHL Players' Association in labor negotiations.
"I am truly honored by the opportunity to be the New York Islanders General Manager and Executive Vice President," Darche said. "I'd like to thank Scott Malkin, Jon Ledecky, John Collins, and the entire ownership group for entrusting me with the hockey operations of this great franchise."
The Islanders' other finalist, according to sources, was Marc Bergevin, the former Montreal Canadiens GM who spent last season in the Los Angeles Kings front office.
Sources also said the Islanders received permission from the Maple Leafs to speak to Brendan Shanahan before it was decided by Toronto's board that the Hockey Hall of Famer's contract would not be renewed. According to sources, the Islanders were viewing Shanahan for a president role, similar to one he had with Toronto; however, Darche is the only hire expected at this time.
Darche takes over for Lou Lamoriello, who was fired after seven seasons on the job. New York didn't make the playoffs this season and hasn't made it past the first round since 2020-21 -- when the Islanders lost in the East semifinals to the Lightning. Even after the decision to move on from Lamoriello, the team has still been consulting with the Hockey Hall of Famer, whose contract expires on June 30.
This is the second high-profile departure for the Lightning this offseason after assistant coach Jeff Blashill was hired by the Blackhawks on Thursday to be their head coach.
The Isles have the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL draft after receiving some lottery luck -- jumping from 10th to the first selection earlier this month. This will be the first time the Islanders have the top pick since taking John Tavares in 2009.
Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa are widely believed to be the best two prospects in the draft. However, the Islanders may be tempted by a hometown talent, James Hagen, who grew up in Hauppauge, New York, as a fan of the Islanders.