Islanders to Interview Mathieu Darche for General Manager Position
The New York Islanders have been granted permission to interview Mathieu Darche, the assistant general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, for their vacant GM position, according to Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News and NHL.com (via The Elmonters).
Darche, who has attracted interest for GM roles ever since Tampa Bay’s back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021, was considered a candidate for the Montreal Canadiens’ mid-season vacancy in 2022, before they hired Kent Hughes. He also had a spot on the list for the Vancouver Canucks’ GM search during the same period. Most recently, Darche was a finalist for the Pittsburgh Penguins’ GM role two years ago, but the position was ultimately filled by hockey operations president Kyle Dubas.
At 48, Darche has been with the Lightning organization since 2019, initially joining as the director of hockey operations before being promoted to assistant GM ahead of the 2022-23 season. Under the guidance of Tampa’s GM, Julien BriseBois, Darche has helped build and maintain the team’s championship-caliber rosters, ensuring their continued playoff contention since their Cup victories.
A native of Quebec, Darche played 250 NHL games across nine seasons as a depth forward, with stints in Montreal, Tampa Bay, and the inaugural Columbus Blue Jackets team. Since retiring in 2012, his front-office position with the Lightning is his only role in management.
Darche is now viewed as one of the top candidates for the Islanders’ GM position, alongside Hall of Famer Ken Holland, whom The Athletic‘s Arthur Staple reported is New York’s preferred choice to replace Lou Lamoriello. Other potential candidates for the Islanders’ search include Kings senior advisor Marc Bergevin and Devils assistant GM Kate Madigan.
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