New General Manager Announcement
In a significant move, the New York Islanders have named Mathieu Darche as their new General Manager, sparking anticipation about the direction he will take the team this off-season.
Key Challenges Ahead
With core players such as Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal, and Ilya Sorokin secured with long-term contracts, it is likely that Darche will opt to refine the roster rather than initiating an overhaul. One of his immediate challenges will be to negotiate a new deal for restricted free agent defenseman Noah Dobson.
Trade Considerations
The trade landscape suggests that Horvat, valued for his skills, may become a topic of discussion during the summer, especially given the current scarcity of quality centers in the free-agent pool. The 30-year-old forward, locked into his contract until 2030-31 with an average annual salary of $8.5 million and a full no-trade clause through 2026-27, could yield a significant return if Darche decides to explore trade options. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli has indicated that Darche might take a cautious approach, weighing potential offers while also acknowledging the importance of retaining Horvat for a swift organizational turnaround.
Kyle Palmieri’s Future
Another pivotal matter for Darche involves the future of Kyle Palmieri, who has experienced uncertainty since the dismissal of former GM Lou Lamoriello in April, which halted contract extension negotiations for the 34-year-old winger. Analyst Russ Macias suggests that Darche should consider a short-term deal for Palmieri, particularly if his salary expectations remain reasonable; he is currently averaging $5 million annually. Adam Proteau from The Hockey News offered an alternative perspective, noting Palmieri’s consistent performance over the last two seasons could bolster his leverage for a higher deal.
Prospecting and Future Considerations
Darche’s past tenure with the Tampa Bay Lightning could influence his strategies, particularly as he considers debuting prospects like Hobey Baker Award winner Isaac Howard, who remains unsigned. The potential to provide Howard with a quicker path to NHL action may entice him to join the Islanders.
Winnipeg’s Winger Discussions
Turning to Winnipeg, discussions surrounding the future of winger Nikolaj Ehlers are heating up, especially as he approaches unrestricted free agency following a seven-year stint earning an average of $6 million per season. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has expressed his desire to keep Ehlers with the organization, recently engaging in a lengthy conversation with the player’s agent, which The Athletic‘s Murat Ates views positively. However, Ates also implies that the Jets are preparing for the possibility of Ehlers departing.
Market Analysis
Proteau has cautioned against a bidding war for Ehlers, citing his recent postseason performance as a concern. He advocates exploring Brock Boeser from the Vancouver Canucks as a more appealing alternative if Ehlers’ value escalates during negotiations.
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