This headline will self-destruct in 3…2…1…
The NHL insiders are all over the Islanders’ GM search, with New York NHL beatwriter extraordinaire Arthur Staple checking with an update, which overlaps and in one case updates prior info from national writer (and his Athletic colleague) Pierre LeBrun. As of mid-day Wednesday:
Another #Isles search update — we’ll just keep ringing these up every 24 hours:
— Ken Holland believed to be a no on NYI job for now
— As @PierreVLeBrun reported, MTL not letting Jeff Gorton go for now
— Marc Bergevin next in line for NYI?Let’s see what changes by tomorrow
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) May 7, 2025
Earlier in the day, an article from LeBrun had Holland as a “serious candidate” who already interviewed. Several have Marc Bergevin as a top candidate, complicated by the fact the GM job with Bergevin’s Kings just came open, and it’s not clear whether he’d be a candidate (and interested) there.
As an insider who has played and worked for a lot of teams, Marc Bergevin would bring that I Too Briefly Played for the Islanders energy, while connecting with Long Island’s important Francophone population.
— Lighthouse Hockey (@lhhockey.bsky.social) 2025-05-06T20:08:41.359Z
One thing that seems clear is former Rangers head Jeff Gorton, in an executive VP role with the Canadiens, is not available or will not be made available. Maybe the allure of continuing what he’s building with the Habs beats the temptation to stick it to his redpants former employers in the Big Apple.
Meanwhile…
Elsewhere
- …Utah confirms they are the Mammoth. The logo has lots of details and an easter egg of Utah’s tetris shape. [NHL | SL Trib]
- Two games tonight: The Panthers hope to refocus after needing a big comeback to force the unsuccessful OT in Game 1. … and the Jets and Stars kick off, with each being cagey “game time” about their key injuries. That’s Jason Robertson for the Stars (Pete DeBoer wasn’t asked about Miro Heiskanen’s chance of returning tonight), Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey for the Jets.
- Aaron Ekblad returns from his latest suspension, and responds to Brandon Hagel thinking he targeted his head. [Sportsnet]
- Joseph Woll must take the reins for Game 2 at least for the Leafs. [Sportsnet]
- Eric Staal joins the Sabres front office. God help him. [NHL]
- Blues GM Doug Armstrong does not expect Torey Krug to be able to play again after “very invasive” ankle surgery. [NHL]
- Wild GM Bill Guerin says he’s not worried about Kirill Kaprizov getting to free agency. [NHL]