"When Lou Lamoriello hired Roy in January 2024, he reportedly gave him a three-year deal that covered the rest of that season and two additional ones. Which means Roy could be in a lame-duck season for a team that's likely to miss the playoffs -- with a general manager itching to bring in his own guys behind the bench at some point, which is what new general managers generally do. Whether it's in-season or in the offseason, Saint Patrick will be voted off the Island."
"There was no fire sale, trading established veterans like Bo Horvat for draft picks, and signing rentals in a weak free agency class to put together a patchwork group. Had the Islanders done that, then call Roy a "lame duck" all you want. The guy would have probably known he was on his way out. Instead, the Isles won the draft lottery, took Matthew Schaefer, traded Noah Dobson because they knew they had their guy in Schaefer, kept Anders Lee, and brought in Jonathan Drouin."
Lou Lamoriello hired Roy in January 2024 on a three-year deal covering the remainder of that season and two additional seasons. That contract structure allows for the possibility of a lame-duck season if results disappoint and a general manager seeks a new coach. The Islanders did not enter a rebuild this offseason and avoided a fire sale of established veterans. The team won the draft lottery and selected Matthew Schaefer, traded Noah Dobson after identifying Schaefer as their choice, retained Anders Lee, and added Jonathan Drouin. General manager Mathieu Darche constructed the roster to compete both this season and long term, with Matt Barzal returning and Ilya Sorokin anchoring the crease.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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