Marc Bergevin and Mathieu Darche are among the candidates who reportedly interviewed for the New York Islanders’ general manager position earlier this month. According to Pierre LeBrun, Bergevin recently completed a second interview, while Frank Seravalli noted the race has narrowed to just two contenders: the former Montreal Canadiens GM and Canadiens alumnus Darche.
Bergevin held the GM role in Montreal for more than nine years, experiencing both highs and lows. His most notable success came in 2021 when he guided the Canadiens to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1993. However, he was let go the following season after the team’s performance declined, largely due to injuries and long-term absences to key players like Shea Weber and Carey Price.
Among Bergevin’s standout moves with the Canadiens were acquiring Jeff Petry, trading aging veterans to the Blackhawks in exchange for Philip Danault, swapping P.K. Subban for Weber, dealing Max Pacioretty to Vegas for Nick Suzuki, adding Eric Staal from Buffalo, and signing free agents Tyler Toffoli and Corey Perry.
Bergevin handed out some sizable contract extensions during his tenure that haven’t aged well, including a six-year, $6.5 million AAV deal for Brendan Gallagher and a seven-year, $5.5 million AAV contract for Josh Anderson. While Gallagher’s previous contributions may have justified a significant payday, his physical style made it clear he wouldn’t sustain that level of play for much longer. Anderson’s contract, on the other hand, was based largely on potential, but he never met the high expectations set for him.
Bergevin also saw the departure of two key centers in free agency — Philip Danault left for the Los Angeles Kings, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi was lost after the Canadiens chose not to match an offer sheet.
Although his draft history was mixed, Bergevin made some strong picks later in his tenure, with players like Cole Caufield and Kaiden Guhle now forming part of the team’s core.
Throughout much of his time in Montreal, Bergevin focused on constructing a physically imposing blue line to support Carey Price, even as the NHL trended toward speed and skill. If he lands the Islanders’ job, it’ll be worth watching whether he adapts to today’s style or sticks to his old approach — particularly in handling situations like that of Noah Dobson. Since his dismissal in Montreal, Bergevin has served as a senior advisor to the Kings’ general manager.
As for Mathieu Darche, he played 250 NHL games across nine seasons, recording 72 points, including a final three-year stint with the Canadiens. Since 2019, he’s been part of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s front office, starting as director of hockey operations and now also serving as assistant general manager. We’ll continue tracking developments in the Islanders’ GM search as they unfold.
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