Patrick Roy Stays as Islanders Coach, Darche Takes GM Role

Uniondale, New York – Patrick Roy will continue as head coach of the New York Islanders, new general manager Mathieu Darche announced at his introductory press conference Thursday. Roy, 59, has a record of 55-47-17 since taking over for Lane Lambert on January 20, 2024.

The Islanders finished the 2024-25 season with a disappointing 35-35-12 record, missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a tough competition. Darche described Roy as a winner and shared his excitement about working with him, saying, “I went to meet with him last week to get to know him more and I’m extremely comfortable and excited to be working with him.”

Despite missing the playoffs, the Islanders showed some strong performances earlier in the season, including a seven-game winning streak in January. However, they struggled down the stretch, recording a 10-12-5 record post-streak. The team finished last in the league in power play success (12.6 percent) and penalty killing (72.2 percent).

The Islanders were nine points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. The situation worsened when forward suffered a lower-body injury, sidelining him for the final 31 games of the season. Roy’s team also lost 12 games in overtime or shootouts and struggled in one-goal games, with 20 losses.

Darche, who was previously the Islanders’ director of hockey operations, replaces Lou Lamoriello, who was with the Islanders for seven seasons and did not have his contract renewed. Lamoriello, 82, leaves behind a legacy with 1,470 wins as an NHL general manager.

Looking ahead, Darche revealed he is not interested in trading the top overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft unless the offer is exceptional. He will work with Roy to strengthen the team, including rebuilding the coaching staff, as assistant coaches John MacLean and Tommy Albelin will not return.

Roy, a four-time Stanley Cup champion as a player and a renowned coach, is determined to improve the Islanders’ fortunes next season, aiming for success after a disappointing year.