The New York Islanders have appointed Mathieu Darche as their future general manager (GM). It appears that he will be the only addition to the front office, with indications that the team does not plan to hire a president. After Lou Lamoriello held the reins for seven seasons, Darche will assume responsibility for all aspects of the front office.
This makes the Islanders’ interview request for Brendan Shanahan, the former president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, quite intriguing. They expressed interest in bringing him on, but shifted their focus once Darche was hired.
Can confirm #Isles will not be hiring anybody above new GM Mathieu Darche
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) May 23, 2025
However, it may also suggest that they are still considering bringing Shanahan on board, which could be a valuable move for the Islanders given his potential contributions.
Shanahan’s Departure from Toronto Could Be Beneficial
The Maple Leafs struggled with an overly complex ownership structure, featuring numerous stakeholders in both the board and the front office. This created a chaotic environment during Shanahan’s time with the team. Although the Maple Leafs had their “Shana-plan,” the multitude of voices in the decision-making process hindered his ability to make a real difference.
The Islanders have an ownership group that manages most of the franchise’s business operations. Generally, ownership groups can be categorized as either hands-on, genuinely invested in the team’s success or failure, or hands-off, rarely engaging at all. The Islanders fall into the hands-on category, allowing their hockey operations to do their job without interference. This approach has made the position appealing to several general managers. If Shanahan were to join as president, he would likely have the freedom to operate with minimal interference.
It’s understandable to suggest that the ownership should allow Darche to take the lead without bringing in another executive. The announcement made on Friday was significant, as it emphasized that Darche will oversee all roster decisions. Additionally, it’s interesting to note that he holds the title of vice president despite the team not currently having a president.
#Isles News: The New York Islanders today named Mathieu Darche General Manager and Executive Vice President. Darche will manage all aspects of the team’s hockey operations.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) May 23, 2025
This is why having Shanahan come on board while staying out of hockey decisions could be beneficial. Many of his choices with the Maple Leafs faced criticism, particularly his commitment to the “Core Four” and his reluctance to make trades that could alter the roster’s foundation. His strategy was flawed, as the team relied heavily on four skilled forwards without enough size or physicality in the top six, which limited their effectiveness in the playoffs. While Shanahan was steadfast about keeping the core intact, he did part ways with Nazem Kadri, a two-way center who didn’t fit his vision—ironically, Kadri went on to win a Cup afterward.
If the Islanders can keep Shanahan away from roster decisions, a partnership between him and Darche could be effective. The real question is why Shanahan should accept a position that comes with less authority, albeit one that the Islanders would benefit from, especially in the early years of Darche’s tenure.
Darche faces the considerable challenge of overseeing it all.
Being a GM in the NHL and other sports involves much more than just strategizing or focusing solely on the players. A GM acts as the CEO of the team, overseeing the front office, scouting department, staffing across all levels, and managing relationships with owners, fans, and other stakeholders.
That’s a significant responsibility for a 48-year-old first-time GM. Although Darche served as an assistant to Julien BriseBois with the Tampa Bay Lightning and gained valuable insights into the role, his strengths lie in team-building, particularly in identifying young talent suitable for a Stanley Cup contender. If he’s tasked with handling everything else, it may hinder his ability and leave the Islanders struggling to keep pace with the rest of the NHL while they attempt to rebuild or retool on the fly.
This is why it makes sense to bring Shanahan on board, given his experience in relations and the business aspects of the role. He can handle the various executive responsibilities, allowing Darche to concentrate on the on-ice performance. This setup is especially crucial as Darche navigates his new position and adjusts to the role of GM; he can leverage his strengths while gradually gaining insight into other facets of the job before ultimately taking full control.
Why It Makes Sense For Islanders to Just Stick With Darche
If the Maple Leafs have taught the Islanders anything, it’s that a front office shouldn’t be overcrowded. The Maple Leafs are moving away from the president-GM power structure, allowing GM Brad Treliving to take the lead in running the team. Ideally, the Islanders would have a GM who serves as a link between the ownership group and the roster.
The team will be shaped according to Darche’s vision. Even if Shanahan joins, he would likely take a backseat and wouldn’t have the final say, particularly regarding roster decisions. Darche will attempt to rebuild the team while managing ongoing challenges, and the early seasons may see some setbacks. However, in the long term, this approach should pay off, and the Islanders are expected to become contenders.
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