The New York Islanders embrace a new era under Mathieu Darche's leadership.
The New York Islanders have appointed Mathieu Darche as their new General Manager and Executive Vice President. At 48, Darche takes over following Lou Lamoriello’s tenure. Previously with the Tampa Bay Lightning, he played a vital role in their success, including salary cap management and contract negotiations. With high expectations set, Darche aims to revitalize the team, which recently secured the first overall pick in the NHL Draft, and reshape the roster to return to playoff contention.
New York, NY – The New York Islanders have officially appointed Mathieu Darche as their new General Manager and Executive Vice President. At 48 years old, Darche takes on the responsibility of overseeing all aspects of the team’s hockey operations following the tenure of Lou Lamoriello.
This appointment marks Darche’s first role as a General Manager in the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously held various positions in the front office of the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he was part of the team during its back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. Darche initially joined the Lightning organization in 2019 as the Director of Hockey Operations. His capabilities led to a promotion to Assistant General Manager in 2023, highlighting his rapid ascent in the sport.
During his time in Tampa Bay, Darche played a key role in several critical areas, including salary cap management, budgeting, and negotiating player contracts. His expertise in these areas is expected to be valuable as he transitions to his new role with the Islanders. In addition, Darche has significant experience from his involvement with the National Hockey Players’ Association (NHLPA), where he was part of the negotiating team during the 2012-13 NHL lockout. His contributions helped shape the longest collective bargaining agreement in league history.
Darche has a solid academic background with a commerce degree from McGill University, where he specialized in marketing and international business. Before entering the management side of hockey, he had a noteworthy playing career, appearing in 250 regular-season games and 18 playoff games across five NHL teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Montreal Canadiens. Additionally, he played 552 games in the American Hockey League (AHL) and won the Calder Cup in 2004 with the Milwaukee Admirals.
The Islanders are entering a pivotal period, having recently secured the first overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft after winning the draft lottery. This significant asset is expected to play a central role in the team’s future and Darche’s immediate responsibilities. In the coming months, he will be tasked with crucial decisions regarding the future of head coach Patrick Roy and evaluating existing player contracts—a challenge for any new General Manager aiming to reshape the team’s competitive landscape.
Currently, the Islanders find themselves in need of revitalization, as they have failed to qualify for the playoffs in two of the last four seasons. Darche’s appointment comes with high expectations. He is considered a rising star in hockey management, and his business acumen will be critical as he works to build a competitive roster capable of contending for playoff spots in upcoming seasons.
The team’s operating partner, John Collins, has expressed strong confidence in Darche’s ability to lead the Islanders. Collins believes that Darche’s experience and leadership will be instrumental in turning the franchise’s fortunes around. As Darche embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on his strategies and decisions as the Islanders aim to reclaim their place among the elite teams in the NHL.
New York Islanders Appoint Mathieu Darche as GM
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