Mathieu Darche, the new general manager of the New York Islanders, is making a clear and open start compared to his predecessor Lou Lamoriello. While Lamoriello’s seven years in charge often left fans guessing about player contracts and injury details, Darche is upfront and honest about the team’s current situation. From player injuries to coaching staff changes, Darche is sharing information openly and building trust with fans and the media.
Bo Horvat’s Injury Update
One of the biggest questions since Darche took over was the health of Bo Horvat, the Islanders’ top scorer. Horvat was injured while playing for Team Canada at the World Championship in Sweden last week. Darche was clear about the injury, calling it “a little ankle injury” and said it was not serious. He expects Horvat to be out for about four to six weeks and noted that Horvat is already recovering. Darche also said that if the playoffs had started now, Horvat might have tried to play through the injury, but they will make sure he does not risk more harm by playing too soon.
Coaching Staff Changes
Darche also gave updates on the Islanders’ coaching team. He confirmed that Patrick Roy, the famous former goalie and Hockey Hall of Famer, will return as head coach next season. However, Darche is making changes by replacing the assistant coaches John MacLean and Tommy Albelin. Darche said he met Roy recently and feels excited and comfortable working with him. The two will work together to find new assistant coaches. Changes are also coming for the Bridgeport Islanders, the team’s AHL affiliate, which struggled last season.
Darche’s Background
Before joining the Islanders, Darche spent six years with the Tampa Bay Lightning, including roles as director of hockey operations and assistant general manager. He helped the Lightning win two Stanley Cups. His playing career was more modest; he played as a left winger with 250 NHL games and over 500 AHL games. Darche played college hockey at McGill University in Montreal, where he studied marketing and international business. After retiring as a player, he worked in broadcasting and later as a vice-president in sales and marketing for a logistics company connected to both the Canadiens and Islanders.
Building the Future
Darche has experience managing an NHL affiliate team, which should help him rebuild the Islanders’ prospect pipeline. The team has not developed a major homegrown star since Noah Dobson was drafted in 2018. The Islanders recently won the NHL draft lottery and will have the first overall pick in the upcoming draft. While Darche did not reveal if he will pick Long Island native James Hagens, he said he will carefully consider all options to select a “special player.” This draft pick gives the Islanders a chance to improve their team’s future.
Challenges Ahead
Darche’s business skills are also important for the Islanders. Since the opening of UBS Arena in 2021, attendance has dropped, and even players like Mat Barzal have noticed the empty seats. The team’s co-owner, John Collins, said Darche’s goal is to make fans and season ticket holders happy so the team can spend more money on players. The Islanders have nearly $21 million in salary cap space for the 2025-26 season and recently signed Kyle Palmieri and Adam Boqvist. A big task will be signing Noah Dobson to a new contract and possibly refreshing the forward lineup after trading Brock Nelson.
Mathieu Darche has started his role with honesty and clear communication, a welcome change for Islanders fans. With his mix of hockey experience, business sense, and open approach, he faces the challenge of rebuilding a team that once excited its fans with playoff runs but now struggles with attendance and performance. The coming months will show if Darche can lead the Islanders back to success by developing young talent, improving the team roster, and reconnecting with fans.
