Mathieu Darche is one step ahead of the game, or so it would appear. The New York Islander general manager sent shockwaves across the NHL with his latest move.
With the regular season approaching its end, the Islanders made the decision to fire Patrick Roy, appointing Pete DeBoer in his stead. With just four regulation games left and a playoff spot within reach, the Islanders’ decision to part ways with Roy sparked widespread amusement
NHL World Reacts as New York Islanders Welcome Pete DeBoer in Unprecedented Move
Roy took charge of the Islanders midway through the 2023-24 season and helped the team make the playoffs in his first season as an HC. The Islanders missed the last postseason, but have been in a relatively competitive position throughout the year.
However, the last couple of games may have prompted management to make an unforeseen decision to relieve Roy of his duties, with two years still left on his contract.
The Islanders have lost four games on the bounce, including an 8-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The sudden adverse turn in the Islanders’ performance could have paved the way for Darche to bring DeBoer on board.
DeBoer last coached the Dallas Stars during the 2024-25 season and is known for his postseason success. His 97 career postseason wins are fifth in NHL history.
It goes without saying that Darche’s move has got the NHL world talking.
“Huge move by Mathieu Darche. Pete DeBoer hired. Patrick Roy fired with two more years left on his contract,” Pierre LeBrun shared on his social media about the Islanders’ decision to sever ties with Roy with just four regulation games left.
Huge move by Mathieu Darche.
Pete DeBoer hired.
Patrick Roy fired with two more years left on his contract. https://t.co/LPlIcelnEp— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 5, 2026
Elliotte Friedman further clarified that DeBoer is here to stay with the Islanders beyond this season.
This is not a “rest-of-season” hire. There is term involved https://t.co/dKSaNcijsL
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 5, 2026
“Lol what a league,” Penguins insider Josh Yohe wrote, expressing his bewilderment at the unanticipated move ahead of the postseason.
Roy’s record with the Islanders stands at 97-78-22, and his tenure has been far from unsuccessful. The former HC also helped the Islanders make the playoffs in his very first term, but the team’s recent struggles on the ice ought to have played a role in the turn of events.
DeBoer, on the other hand, has a career record of 662-447-152. One factor that may have prompted the Islanders to go for him is DeBoer’s extensive experience coaching teams such as the Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, Stars, and Vegas Golden Knights, among others. The Knights and the Stars made the Western Conference Final in the first season under DeBoer’s guidance.
DeBoer has made the Western Conference final five times in the last seven years as a coach, further cementing the Islanders’ faith in him to rebuild the team around a future franchise cornerstone like Matthew Schaefer.
