The New York Islanders made a significant change on Tuesday by parting ways with general manager Lou Lamoriello after seven seasons. This decision comes after a disappointing season for the team, raising questions about the future direction of the franchise.
With Lamoriello’s departure, the focus now shifts to the coaching staff, led by head coach Patrick Roy. Roy, along with his assistants and the assistant general managers, is currently in a state of uncertainty. A team spokesman confirmed that they will meet with the new general manager once appointed to discuss their roles moving forward.
Roy’s coaching record has been mixed. Last season, he brought some excitement to the Islanders, leading them to the playoffs. However, this past season saw a decline, with a 35-35-12 record that resulted in the team missing the playoffs. The Islanders struggled significantly on special teams, finishing last in the league for both power play and penalty kill.
Roy’s decision-making came under scrutiny, especially after the signing of Anthony Duclair, which did not pan out as expected. Duclair was injured early in the season and later took a leave of absence after a heated exchange with Roy about his performance.
It remains unclear whether Roy will be considered for the general manager position. He previously held a dual role as head coach and vice president of hockey operations with the Colorado Avalanche but resigned due to conflicts with the team’s management. Roy has stated that he prefers to focus solely on coaching, though his confidence in his abilities is strong.
The Islanders are now at a crossroads, needing to find a new general manager who can reshape the team’s future. The new hire will have the power to decide the fate of Roy and the current coaching staff, making this a crucial moment for the franchise.
