In the wake of a difficult season for the New York Islanders as they failed to reach the playoffs and parted ways with longtime general manager Lou Lamoriello, the franchise gained a huge shot in the arm by winning the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery. Even at a 3.5% chance, the Islanders pulled off the No. 1 overall pick for the first time since 2009, a golden opportunity to start over next year.
Having a strong draft entry and a consolidated veteran piece contingent on the roster frame, the Islanders are at a crossroads. There is the foundation, though the front office requires strong leadership in order to maximize the team’s potential and establish an obvious direction. That search has begun, and the names under consideration are a testament to the serious nature of what lies ahead.
League sources say that Hockey Hall of Famer Ken Holland has already interviewed with the Islanders, and he is considered a strong candidate. They also hope to talk with Kings executive Marc Bergevin, but that may be complicated by the recent departure of LA GM Rob Blake. In the meantime, Isles contacted the Montreal Canadiens about speaking to Jeff Gorton and were told he’s sticking around.
3 Things On Next Islanders GM’s To-Do List
The New York Islanders are officially on the lookout for a new general manager since Lou Lamoriello has relinquished the reins after the 2024-25 season. With the franchise at such a crossroads, the next GM will inherit an aging veteran team, a passionate fan base that is hungry for success. In hiring the new hire, it won’t just be a regular position that is being taken on, it’ll be the tone for the Isles’ next chapter.
Three things that the new GM should concentrate on immediately are as follows:
Get the most out of the No. 1 pick.
The top draft pick is one of the lucky few gifts. This is the Islanders’ opportunity to have a real difference-maker—someone who can develop into the face of the franchise. Be it Michael Misa, the high-scoring forward, or his other teammates, Matthew Schaefer, the elite two-way defenseman, or James Hagens, the playmaker, the pick has to narrate the future chapter of Islanders hockey.
Decide on the Team’s Direction
The Islanders are stuck in the middle, not quite contenders, not a full rebuild either. The new GM must decide: When do they get repurposed, tear it down and build around the young core, or retool on the fly and give veterans like Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat another shot? The roster requires a definite plan for the future and the clarity of purpose in which that starts.
Modernize the Organization
This is the perfect moment to refresh on how the team works behind the scenes. Changing the front office, increasing emphasis on analytics, and reviewing changes to coaching are all steps that are necessary. A forward-thinking GM who knows today’s NHL is the missing component to creating a team that can not only compete for years but actually WIN.