The Islanders should be able to attract top-tier candidates thanks to the executive suites available. Maybe that’s already in the works, or perhaps it’s all happening behind the scenes.
Since parting ways with Lou Lamoriello, who is still listed as president, general manager, and alternate governor, it feels a bit like there’s a repetitive cycle—one that’s not particularly thrilling.
Mark Bergevin? Really?
There’s some ambiguity over whether Scott Malkin and John Ledecky, represented by Proxy John Collins (co-owner, operating partner, and alternate governor), are on a quest to find someone to then find a general manager.
Or maybe Collins plans to step into a greater role himself, only hiring people to manage the day-to-day operations while he oversees the bigger vision.
Many in the industry recognize that modernizing operations after Lamoriello’s significant influence over the past seven years will be a daunting task. There’s a sense that this might deter potential candidates.
I don’t entirely grasp that hesitation. The next president or GM will have a golden opportunity to shape the Islanders’ Hockey Division according to their vision. This role has been a significant part of the franchise identity right from the start. And let’s not forget, the fanbase has been practicing patience for decades.
The Islanders have accumulated valuable assets through their draft lottery successes. The new hire will essentially inherit a blank canvas. This is a big role, and it’s undoubtedly a crucial decision.
Is there a genuine promise of independence between hockey operations and ownership? It really should be a decision purely about hockey, not about public relations. Now’s not the time to make a questionable pick that could backfire.
This is not the moment to let marketing influences dictate choices related to players like James Hagens, a Long Island native and sophomore center at Boston University, who’s typically rated as one of the top prospects.
Once again, we hear names like Jeff Gorton, even though he hasn’t formally applied for the position. It seems like a familiar mix of candidates, much like what we see with the head coaching role.
It’s like a carousel, going around and around.
Not long ago, I heard whispers from well-connected friends that John Cooper might step down as the Tampa Bay coach a year before his contract was up, possibly to take on a role with a team owned by his friend in Utah. That seemed odd for a coach.
But after the Lightning faced an early playoff exit for the third straight year, Cooper confirmed he plans to return to coaching for the final year of his contract.
Yet, does the 57-year-old envision expanding his career possibilities? What would happen if he was offered a top role at UBS, just a short drive from Hofstra University?
With two Stanley Cups and a championship under his belt, plus coaching Team Canada at the 2026 Olympics, Cooper has achieved much. But perhaps leading the Islanders—shaping them in his style—could excite him. That might also feed into his aspirations. The prospect of returning home to revitalize a struggling franchise that’s going through challenges could be quite alluring.
If Malkin, Ledecky, Collins, and maybe even Lamoriello are still involved in the decision-making, getting permission to approach Cooper could be a complicated affair.
The Islanders truly deserve the best candidates out there.
