The New York Islanders, against all odds, managed to snag the top spot in the 2025 NHL draft lottery with just a 3.5% chance of doing so. The team is now gearing up to make their first pick in the draft, and sources have revealed that they are bringing in Mathieu Darche, the assistant general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, to take on the role of GM. Darche has been a crucial part of the Lightning’s success, helping them secure two Stanley Cups during his time with the team. Many in the league see him as the right-hand man to GM Julien BriseBois, and at 48 years old, this will be his first shot at being a general manager after being considered for several other openings in recent years. Darche’s experience as a player in the NHL, as well as his background in marketing and international business, make him a solid choice for the Islanders as they look to rebuild and make a splash in the upcoming draft.
The Islanders had also considered Marc Bergevin, the former GM of the Montreal Canadiens, and even reached out to Brendan Shanahan for a potential role as president, though Darche seems to be the sole hire for now. This move comes after the team parted ways with Lou Lamoriello, who had been at the helm for seven seasons. Despite not making the playoffs this season, the Islanders are hopeful that Darche’s leadership will help turn things around for the franchise. The team has been consulting with Lamoriello even after his departure, showing respect for his contributions to the organization. Additionally, the Lightning have seen another key departure this offseason, with assistant coach Jeff Blashill heading to the Blackhawks as their new head coach. With the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft now in their hands, the Islanders are poised to make a significant impact with their selection and potentially bring in a promising new talent to the team.
As the Islanders prepare for the upcoming draft, all eyes are on Darche and his plans for the team’s future. With the top pick at their disposal, the franchise has a chance to secure a game-changing player who could help lead them to success in the seasons to come. The pressure is on for Darche to make the right choice for the team, especially with top prospects like Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa on the radar. However, there is also the allure of hometown talent in James Hagen, a fan of the Islanders who grew up in Hauppauge, New York. The Islanders have not had the top pick since selecting John Tavares in 2009, so the stakes are high for Darche as he navigates the draft process and looks to set the team on a path to victory. With lottery luck on their side, the Islanders have a unique opportunity to shape their roster and build a competitive team for the future.
