The New York Islanders recently named Mathieu Darche as their new general manager, sparking curiosity about how he will shape the team in the coming off-season. With star players like Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal, and Ilya Sorokin signed to long-term contracts, Darche might choose to build around these core players rather than completely rebuild the roster. One important move could be signing restricted free agent defenseman Noah Dobson to a new deal.
Will Bo Horvat Stay or Be Traded?
Some experts are wondering if Bo Horvat, the Islanders’ captain, might be available for trade. With the free-agent market for quality centers expected to be weak this summer, Horvat’s experience and skills could attract good offers if Darche wants to make big changes. Horvat is signed through the 2030-31 season with a no-trade clause until 2026-27, which means any trade would need his approval.
Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli believes Darche may wait patiently to see what offers come for Horvat, but also thinks the Islanders need Horvat’s leadership to try for a quick turnaround next season.
Kyle Palmieri’s Future Uncertain
Left winger Kyle Palmieri’s future with the Islanders is also unclear. Former GM Lou Lamoriello had started contract extension talks with the 34-year-old, but those talks stopped when Lamoriello was fired. Now, it’s up to Darche to decide Palmieri’s fate. Some think Palmieri could stay on a short-term deal, possibly accepting a pay cut from his current $5 million average salary. Palmieri’s recent scoring record, averaging 51 points over the last two seasons, might also help him negotiate a better contract.
Potential Opportunities for Young Talent
Darche brings valuable experience from his time as assistant GM with the Tampa Bay Lightning. One young player to watch is Isaac Howard, a Hobey Baker Award winner who has yet to sign an NHL contract with Tampa Bay. There is speculation the Lightning might trade him, and Darche’s Islanders could offer Howard a quicker path to playing in the NHL.
Winnipeg Jets and Nikolaj Ehlers’ Future
Across the league, Nikolaj Ehlers’ future with the Winnipeg Jets is a hot topic. The 29-year-old right winger becomes an unrestricted free agent after finishing a seven-year contract worth $6 million annually. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has expressed his desire to keep Ehlers “a Jet for life” and recently held a long meeting with Ehlers’ agent, which seems positive. However, there is some preparation for the possibility of life without Ehlers.
Some analysts suggest the Jets avoid a bidding war over Ehlers because of his weaker playoff performance. Instead, they think Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks might be a better fit.
Mathieu Darche’s arrival as the New York Islanders’ GM brings both opportunities and challenges. Key decisions on players like Bo Horvat, Kyle Palmieri, and young prospects will shape the team’s future. Meanwhile, the Jets’ situation with Nikolaj Ehlers adds to the summer’s hockey trade drama. Fans should expect a busy off-season filled with important moves that could change the NHL landscape.
