Report: Isles plan to interview Kekalainen, Bergevin, Darche for GM job

The New York Islanders plan to interview Jarmo Kekalainen, Marc Bergevin, and Mathieu Darche for their general manager vacancy, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

The Islanders announced in April they won't be renewing the contract of veteran GM and president of hockey operations Lou Lamoriello. His deal expires June 30, although he's expected to stay with the organization in some capacity, sources told The Athletic's Arthur Staple.

Kekalainen served as GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2013 to 2024, guiding the team to five postseason appearances. The Finn was the first European GM in NHL history. He worked in the Ottawa Senators' and St. Louis Blues' front offices before his time in Columbus.

Bergevin worked as GM of the Montreal Canadiens from 2012 to 2021, making six postseason appearances. The Habs went on a miracle run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final under Bergevin. He's been working as an adviser for the Los Angeles Kings ever since and is reportedly a candidate for their GM job as well.

Darche has never been an NHL GM, but he's garnered interest every hiring cycle for the past several years. He's currently the assistant GM and director of hockey operations for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He's been with the organization since 2019, helping the Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.

The Islanders already interviewed Ken Holland for the position, although the Hall of Fame executive is also reportedly expected to be hired by the Kings.