After a weekend where whispers about Kings Advisor Mark Bergevin’s future circulated, the focus now shifts to him being seen in Los Angeles.
The quick response to Rob Blake’s departure as the Kings’ general manager was framed as a mutual decision on Monday. This raised questions about how the Islanders’ operating partner, John Collins, might initiate a discussion.
Labeling Blake as a leading candidate for a GM or president role with the Islanders might be a stretch. For one, it’s uncertain if he even wants to take on another front office position right now. Still, his presence in the market implies that the Islanders would be remiss not to at least approach him, if only to gauge his interest.
Blake, a Hall of Fame defenseman who won the Stanley Cup with Patrick Roy in 2002, has been part of the Kings’ front office since 2013 and served as GM since 2017. Despite his tenure, the Kings have struggled to advance past the first round of the playoffs, facing four consecutive losses to Edmonton, despite having more than 99 points in the regular season for four straight years. However, Collins may be eyeing Blake’s recent reconfiguration efforts, as his core has stagnated.
This situation might allow Los Angeles to open another window for franchise legends like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty.
There’s also some history to consider. If Blake and Roy can collaborate again, perhaps the Islanders could bring Roy back without the hassle of conducting coaching searches this offseason.
Yet, there are some blemishes on Blake’s record. His most notable setback was the ill-fated trade for Pierre-Luc Dubois, although he did at least manage to cut his losses, sending Dubois away and securing this year’s Vezina finalist, Darcy Kemper, in return.
Although the Kings have enjoyed consistent regular season success, their playoff failures against teams like Edmonton raise more questions. After all, players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl don’t have to worry about competing in the Metropolitan Division.
Regardless of whether Blake is in the running to get his job back, his departure on Monday heightens the urgency for the Islanders to make a hire.
Until now, the Islanders have been the primary destination for those looking to step into a GM or president role. Now there’s an opportunity in a bigger market, which might provide a quicker path to success.
This development particularly impacts Bergevin, who spent the last three seasons with the Kings and will now be considered a potential candidate.
In other news, AHL Bridgeport has parted ways with assistant coaches Matt McDonald and Pascalle Arm. Their contracts were not renewed. Currently, Rick Kowalski remains as head coach, although that could change once a new GM is appointed.
Additionally, Governor Kathy Hochul sent an open letter to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Monday. In her message, she criticized the NHL’s recent decisions, suggesting they undermine New York State’s efforts and encourage the wrong messages for public agencies that support the league. She called for a reevaluation, especially in light of the cancellation of Long Island’s 2026 NHL All-Star weekend. Hochul urged the NHL to bring a comparable or more significant event to the 2027 calendar, focusing on economic and cultural values.
Lastly, updates on Brock Nelson’s contract came in after the Avalanche was eliminated by Dallas in Game 7 over the weekend. The Islanders will receive first-round picks from Colorado in 2026, following the 2025 pick that’s top-10 protected from an earlier deal with Philadelphia. Meanwhile, the conditional third-round pick in 2028 will not be processed since the Avalanche did not win the Stanley Cup.
