Islanders new GM eager to place stamp on team, projected to take Matthew Schaefer. No. 1 in NHL draft - NBC Sports
The hard work of turning around an Islanders team that has missed the playoffs twice in the past four years, and not won a series since reaching the 2021 semifinals, starts now with New York anticipated to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer.
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Islanders new GM eager to place stamp on team, projected to take Matthew Schaefer. No. 1 in NHL draft
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Associated Press,
By
Associated Press
Published June 27, 2025 10:33 AM
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Barely a month into his new role overseeing the New York Islanders, Mathieu Darche understands there is not much he can take credit for yet in placing his stamp on the franchise.
The 48-year-old first-time general manager was still employed by Tampa Bay in early May when the NHL lottery balls bounced the Islanders’ way, vaulting them 10 spots in the order to land the first pick at the draft in Los Angeles.
“I can’t even say it was the Darche luck,” he said with a laugh.
The hard work of turning around an Islanders team that has missed the playoffs twice in the past four years, and not won a series since reaching the 2021 semifinals, starts now with New York anticipated to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer.
Though Darche won’t disclose his plans for No. 1, what is clear is the Islanders have the opportunity to add a young, NHL-ready cornerstone to a team that was just two points out contention before collapsing down the stretch with a 3-7-4 finish.
Rating: 5