They sort of do. Here's a transcript of the interview translated to English. Someone who speaks French would have to verify that this is 100% correct but it's probably fairly close.
Here's a summary provided by AI.
The interview began with congratulations to Mathieu Darche on his new role. Darche mentioned his busy schedule, having just returned to Tampa after a week in New York and preparing for the NHL Combine.
On the Hiring Process and His Vision for the Islanders:
Darche explained that for GM positions, teams typically initiate contact. He presented his plan to the Islanders, emphasizing the need to be genuine rather than just saying what the team wants to hear. He believes the Islanders have a strong core (mentioning players like Barzal, Horvat, Pageau, Dobson, and Sorokin) and doesn't necessarily see the need for a full teardown or rebuild, suggesting the team can be competitive and take the next step with some adjustments. He acknowledged the team's struggles with special units and injuries the previous season but sees potential.
On Playing Style and Coaching:
Darche wants the team to "play fast," which he defines not just by skating speed but also by quick thinking and execution.1 A significant portion of the conversation covered his decision to retain Patrick Roy as head coach.2 Darche had no prior significant relationship with Roy but met with him for several hours in Montreal, did his due diligence by speaking to others who had worked with Roy, and felt comfortable and excited to work with him.3 He confirmed changes would be made to the assistant coaching staff. Darche stressed the importance of a good working relationship and alignment between the GM and head coach, a lesson learned from his time in Tampa Bay.
Organizational Philosophy and Operations:
He emphasized the importance of vertical alignment throughout the organization, from ownership down to the farm team, mirroring the structure he experienced with Julien BriseBois at the Tampa Bay Lightning. Development through the AHL farm team is a priority. Regarding draft picks, Darche views them as valuable assets, whether for drafting players or for trades, but indicated he doesn't plan to trade the Islanders' upcoming first-round pick. He confirmed he's already very busy evaluating the team, preparing for the combine, the draft, and free agency.
Personal Approach and a Noteworthy Rule Change:
Darche highlighted that while he learned a lot from Julien BriseBois, he intends to be his own person and not a "Julien 2.0," believing authenticity is key. In a lighter moment, he confirmed that players and coaches will now be allowed to wear beards, a "quick win" and a departure from the previous administration's policy.
The interview concluded with the host expressing excitement for Darche's tenure and anticipating future interactions, particularly given the local interest in the Islanders.
