The New York Islanders have appointed Matthew Dersch as their general manager, bringing in the two-time Stanley Cup winner and former Tampa Bay Lightning assistant to helm the NHL team.
Dersch has taken on the role of Executive Vice President and GM, overseeing the organization’s Hockey Operations Division.
“Matthew is the ideal candidate to steer our hockey operations,” said John Collins, co-owner who led the GM search. “He will have access to all available resources for our business initiatives and communities to enhance the Islanders’ presence on the ice.”
Dersch joins the Islanders after a successful six-season tenure with the Lightning. He was part of the team that engraved their names on the Cup in 2020 and 2021, working closely with Tampa Bay GM Julian Brisebois over the last three years.
“Matthew played a crucial role at Tampa Bay Lightning and possesses a strong background in a high-level business model,” Collins added. “He is a proven winner and is dedicated, like our ownership group, to building a more competitive roster for the upcoming season.”
The 48-year-old former player was regarded as a top NHL assistant rather than a GM in the league. Dersch edged out the more seasoned executive Mark Bergevin for the position. He takes over from Lula Lamoriello after the longtime executive’s contract was not renewed at 82 years old The contract was not renewed.
Dersch played a total of 268 games during the regular season and playoffs between 2001 and 2012 as a winger, representing Columbus, Nashville, San Jose, Tampa Bay, and Montreal. The Quebec native took a break from hockey before relocating to Tampa to join the Lightning.
Dersch, who now leads the Islanders, starts with the first pick in the draft, thanks to an unexpected lottery win, and has over $25 million in salary cap space to infuse premium talent into a roster that needs it. They plan to trade center Brock Nelson ahead of the March deadline, aiming to bounce back after missing the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.
“There is much to look forward to as the Islanders hold the first overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft and get ready to welcome the Olympic sendoff at UBS Arena next season,” Collins remarked. “Matthew’s arrival will further propel our momentum.”
Dersch will inherit a Hall of Fame goaltender in Patrick Roy, who has established himself as a passionate and effective coach. He has been at the helm on Long Island since Lamoriello hired him as a midseason replacement in January 2024, leading a turnaround that got the team back to the playoffs.
“I am deeply honored to take on this opportunity,” Dersch stated. “I want to express my gratitude to Scott Malkin, John Ledecky, John Collins, and the entire ownership group for entrusting the hockey operations of this prestigious franchise to me.”
With goaltender Ilya Sorokin, a 2023 All-Star and Vezina Trophy finalist, signed for the long term and a reliable core of veterans, the next priority is to draft, develop, and attract more players who can enhance the offensive output. Last season, only four teams scored fewer goals than the Islanders.
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Source: apnews.com