Report: Islanders looking to add top exec to hockey ops department

New York Islanders ownership group Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky are trying to find a top executive to join the club's hockey ops department, sources told Chris Botta of SportsNet New York.

It's believed the potential new hire will replace Garth Snow as general manager, while Snow, the Isles' GM since 2006, would remain president or be given a new role, Botta adds.

The Islanders will ask other teams for permission to speak to their executives, but will wait until the completion of the first round of the playoffs before narrowing the search.

After missing the playoffs for the eighth time in 12 seasons under Snow's tenure, the Islanders organization faces a crucial offseason. The Isles are also in the process of building a new arena in Belmont Park, and captain John Tavares' future with the club is in question as he faces unrestricted free agency.