New York Islanders: First Press Conference with GM Mathieu Darche @ 11:00 AM

[SI90]

 

[SI90]

 

[SI90]

 

[scott99]

Never understood why the Islanders stopped doing this under Lou. Hell, I remember going to the rookie prospects game when they used to hold it on a Saturday, and watching the stream when it was on a weeknight. Not that they are gonna have a rookie game, but good to have a prospect’s camp.

 

[scott99]

One thing I was surprised that wasn’t mentioned, didn’t Collins and Darche work for the NHL at the same time. I figured that would be one of the things that brought Darche to the Isles, his familiarity with Collins.

 

[periferal]

For those worried about chris Neporriello even if he’s the GM on paper for the next year or so I believe after hearing from Darche that Darche will 100% have his hands on the roster and decisions in Bridgeport. Lou Definitely just let his son do whatever he wanted. Won’t be the case with Darche.

Also consider this...

There was a report that Collins is the one who clashed with Lou and really pushed Malkin to make the change.

Assuming that is the case what are the chances that John Collins wants Chris L around...If not is pushing for him to be relpaced?

 

[SI90]

Also consider this...

There was a report that Collins is the one who clashed with Lou and really pushed Malkin to make the change.

Assuming that is the case what are the chances that John Collins wants Chris L around...If not is pushing for him to be relpaced?

Collins is savy. I don’t mind him being a big part of the decision process. These guys know why Chris Lamoriello is where he is. Lou has been a “legend” in hockey for 40 years. In all that time Chris has never been a real GM anywhere else.

Lou has one son and unfortunately for him that one son is Fredo.

 

[PK Cronin]

Also consider this...

There was a report that Collins is the one who clashed with Lou and really pushed Malkin to make the change.

Assuming that is the case what are the chances that John Collins wants Chris L around...If not is pushing for him to be relpaced?

I could really being respectful to Lou and allowing Chris to stick around (on paper) until Lou or Chris find another gig elsewhere in a timely manner, saving him the embarrassment of getting canned. Who knows though. If Darche thinks Chris Lamoriello is worth keeping around, is that a knock against Darche or praise for Chris?

 

[Chardo]

I'm thinking we really know nothing about Chris. I doubt he had much autonomy, with dad really calling all the shots. And he certainly had no accountability. Maybe Darche sees something worth giving some leash. Or he just doesn't want to make an enemy out of a mob boss by firing his son on day one. Lou still has clout around the sport.

 

[Rehabguy]

I think Darche should be given a long leash to put his prints on the Franchise. Love what he was saying about his philosophy on player development.

• He wants to play fast paced and pressure teams( this aligns with Roy and when I heard this I got aroused)
• He believes in player development organizationally. AHL is important. Prospects are important.
• Bringing back prospect development camp. Will have specialized coaches for development in skating and skills
• All new AHL coaching staff(Thank god)
• McClean and Albalin out. Roy will get to pick his coaching staff with Darche assisting in search.
• Wouldn’t answer on AHL management but if I had to guess eventually Chris Lamoriello will be terminated.
• He’s going to look to enhance areas of the organization. He’s a team builder.
• He’s spoken to almost all current players and will have convos with agents for UFAs and RFAs in the coming weeks.

Overall, I believe it’s all great stuff from Darche and I truly believe he’s going to make the organization better in many areas as far as scouting department management and coaching in the minors and played a development. If I had to guess I don’t think he’s going to tear the roster down right away. It sounds like he wants to compete now and also build for the future similar to Tampa Bay.



Tampa Bay competes every year makes the playoffs, but they have a very good minor league system and always have guys coming up that they have developed. I think he will look to replicate that. Once he evaluates the roster during the season, I could see him making changes and after next season, I think we’ll see more changes at the NHL level.



I’m really excited though, and I have a lot of faith in Darche. I couldn’t be happier right now with the selection overall though we have have to win and see improvement and I think that will happen.

Keeps Roy, drops Maclean.

 

[periferal]

One thing I was surprised that wasn’t mentioned, didn’t Collins and Darche work for the NHL at the same time. I figured that would be one of the things that brought Darche to the Isles, his familiarity with Collins.

This is why you also want the media to be savvy and ask the questoins that we want answered.

Also why feels like every time Andrew Gross opens his mouth it's a waste of time. He asks the most banal questions and added unnecessary words to them. Always feels like the interviewee is like, "I know what you're asking and would answer if you'd just stop talking."

 

[Rehabguy]

Roy: Unleashed

Bridgeport: Unleashed

Me LIKE!!!! Me like very much!!!

 

[periferal]

Collins is savy. I don’t mind him being a big part of the decision process. These guys know why Chris Lamoriello is where he is. Lou has been a “legend” in hockey for 40 years. In all that time Chris has never been a real GM anywhere else.

Lou has one son and unfortunately for him that one son is Fredo.

A-fickin-men.

Been saying that for years. If Chris was qualified to do anything if wouldn't be asked to run the most "Mickey Mouse" part of an NHL organization. AHL teams don't really make transactions and Chris cannot get promoted from that.

 

[periferal]

I could really being respectful to Lou and allowing Chris to stick around (on paper) until Lou or Chris find another gig elsewhere in a timely manner, saving him the embarrassment of getting canned. Who knows though. If Darche thinks Chris Lamoriello is worth keeping around, is that a knock against Darche or praise for Chris?

No one has priase for Chris so it's either a knock on Darche or more like....Part of his agreement to come here to not touch the "ungolden boy."

 

[Islander Class]

Trying not to overdue it with my reaction here- but that presser finally felt like the rebirth of the 1972-1993 franchise. Competence, resources, and commitment to Long Island all on full display. I'm 49, and feel bad for some of the "younger" fans that never got a feel for how great, and well-respected the Islanders once were (and I only got the tail end of it). Proof is in the pudding- but we sound like an honest to God professional sports organization again- and not someone's tax write off, or real estate play. Let Darche do his thing...

 

[periferal]

And.....


Albelin and McLean have been removed from the Isles directory.




*Scarily Chris L. is now listed as #2 in charge and that alone is why he needs to be replaced. If Darche got poached by another team, got sick, etc Chris L. would be running things.

 

[Kevin27nyi]

Said all the right things.

Looking forward to the changes in coaching staff.

 

[doublechili]

It seems like it might be sort of bad form at a press conference introducing a new GM, replacing a guy like Lou, to announce that they're letting his son go. "We're letting Lou's son go - we don't have a replacement yet, but we've gotta get him out of here." The more diplomatic approach would be to hire someone as AGM and announce the change at that time. Hopefully he goes, but maybe next week.

 

[doublechili]

Decision on Chris L likely delayed until Lou decides his next move. If Lou were to go to another team like Buffalo Lou would likely take Chris with him.

Good point - allow him to quit to take another position rather than firing him.

It's like, "What Would Milbury Do?", and then do the opposite.

 

[MJF]

Never understood why the Islanders stopped doing this under Lou. Hell, I remember going to the rookie prospects game when they used to hold it on a Saturday, and watching the stream when it was on a weeknight. Not that they are gonna have a rookie game, but good to have a prospect’s camp.

The last Blue and White Scrimmage I remember at the Coliseum was held on the 2nd Saturday in July. The Coliseum underestimated how much support staff to hire for the night as there must have been around 8,000 people who attended. Impossibly long lines to get in with so few gates open and so few concession stands. The team today should not underestimate the number of people who would attend if they price tickets at $20 per person.

 

[MikeyMike01]

This is why you also want the media to be savvy and ask the questoins that we want answered.

Also why feels like every time Andrew Gross opens his mouth it's a waste of time. He asks the most banal questions and added unnecessary words to them. Always feels like the interviewee is like, "I know what you're asking and would answer if you'd just stop talking."

The next time a journalist has an intelligent thought will be the first

 

[SI90]

 

[MJF]

I'm still hopeful that Collins has Uncle Steve's phone number in his contacts, and calls him to broker a sale of the majority interest from Scott Malkin. Malkin really doesn't seem all that interested in owning the Islanders beyond the increased valuation.

 

[Osakahaus]

Good steps for Darche. Getting rid of Kowalsky is a very big deal, I really liked that comments about how they want to play with speed and tenacity, basically implying they understand what makes the Panthers and Hurricanes such a pest to deal with, and they want to take care of the AHL side of things.

NHL side, I think this really helps prove the case for Schaeffer 1st overall and makes Hagens irrelevant. Albelin and MacLean were also horrendous assistants (much like Houda as well), so lets see who Darche and Roy pick for their staff. Maybe i'm also being more optimistic, but Darche definitely sees issues in the bottom 6 with said comments.

Lets see what July holds in store. Lets do something please.

 

[beach]

Do you guys fully grasp how professional this press conference (both in presentation as well as the people up on the dias) as compared with anything that happened in the late 90's for over 20 years?


It's awesome.

I can't believe they didn't wear sweat suits at the dais.