The Islanders Have a New General Manager

After a prolonged search lasting over a month, the Islanders have finally appointed a new general manager.

Matthew Dersch, previously the general manager of Tampa Bay’s Lightning Assistant, has taken over the position, defeating competitors Jarmoke Karahnen and Mark Bergevin. Dersch, at 48, is now set to lead the team.

Interestingly, there doesn’t seem to be any immediate plans to add a president of hockey operations alongside him, according to what sources have reported.

Dersch has been working as Tampa’s Director of Hockey Business since 2019 and became the Assistant General Manager in 2022. His main focus has been on salary cap management, budgeting, and player contracts, though his role has expanded into various other areas of the hockey business.

As a former NHL player, Dersch has been associated with teams like the Blue Jackets, Predators, Lightning, Sharks, and even the Canadiens. He also participated in the NHL Players’ Association negotiation team during the 2012-13 lockout.

There’s an interesting past involving Dersch and former GM Lou Lamoriello. After Dersch’s playing career concluded in 2013, he attended the Devils’ training camp, where Lamoriello was still at the helm. Although Lamoriello wanted him to stay, Dersch had already decided to retire.

This connection does hint at a bit of continuity from the previous management to the new one.

As reported by various sources, if Lamoriello wishes to maintain some influence, that could be significant for the organization.

So far, it seems like Dersch might be the sole general manager, meaning there might not be a president of hockey operations above him.

Reports also surfaced that the Islanders received permission to interview Brendan Shanahan after his departure from the Maple Leafs. However, hiring Dersch so soon afterward seems to suggest a shift in direction.

Dersch will report directly to the ownership group. As he steps into this role for the first time, a multitude of tasks await him. There’s a chance to breathe new life into a franchise that has been stagnant in recent years.

He’ll have to make key decisions, including the future of head coach Patrick Roy. Plus, there are questions regarding the first overall pick that the Islanders secured in the draft lottery—this also involves Lou’s son, Chris, who is the general manager of the Bridgeport Islanders.

Additionally, there are several impending free agents, including negotiations that Lamoriello had left hanging regarding Kyle Palmieri and Adam Boqvist for contract extensions. Then there’s Noah Dobson, who is in a position to command quite the salary, possibly over $8 million a year.

Addressing these issues is crucial before the July 1st deadline.

More broadly, first-time general managers face the daunting task of turning around a franchise that’s struggled both on and off the ice. The Islanders will need to strengthen their front office, reinvent a team caught in mediocrity, and refresh marketing efforts that had fallen under Lamoriello’s leadership.

This is a significant undertaking for anyone, especially for someone who hasn’t led an NHL team before. In fact, Dersch faced criticism regarding his lack of experience during the selection process.

However, it looks like the Islanders’ leadership, particularly minority owner John Collins, saw enough potential in Dersch’s interview to put those concerns to rest.

This is now his show to lead.