Islanders hire Darche as GM, executive VP

The New York Islanders announced Friday that they hired Mathieu Darche as general manager and executive vice president.

Darche had worked in the Tampa Bay Lightning's front office since 2019 and held the position of assistant GM and director of hockey operations for the last three seasons.

The 48-year-old won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021.

"Mathieu is the perfect choice to lead our hockey operations," Islanders operating partner John Collins said. "He will be given every resource available to put the Islanders first-in-class on the ice, with our business initiatives, and in the community."

Darche has been highly coveted around the league, interviewing with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens, and Chicago Blackhawks regarding their respective GM vacancies over the last few years.

Lou Lamoriello held the role of president and GM for the Islanders before it was announced in April that they wouldn't be renewing his contract.

The Islanders reportedly interviewed Jarmo Kekalainen and Marc Bergevin for the GM job and also expressed interest in Brendan Shanahan for a front-office role.

New York holds the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.