The New York Islanders may very well be done adding to their NHL roster, but it sounds like general manager Mathieu Darche isn’t done adding to his front office.
Mark Divver, a trusted source, reported that Evan Gold may be Long Island-bound. I believe the report to be true.
After 11 seasons with the Boston Bruins, Gold has mutually decided to part ways with the organization once his contract is up on Aug. 1. That means no official announcement regarding a role with the Islanders—or anywhere else—can be made until then.
If the Islanders do land Gold, it would be another significant addition to Darche’s front office, and here’s why:
Gold is a jack of all trades. Like Darche, he specializes in contract negotiations, the salary cap, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Now, the Islanders already have an assistant general manager who specializes in those areas, Steve Pellegrini, who has been with the organization since 2018.
I’m told Pellegrini, 60, is staying with the organization, but with Gold only 46, you do wonder if he’d eventually become Pellegrini’s successor whenever that day comes.
Outside of those specialties, Gold has also shown he can lead. Since becoming general manager of the Providence Bruins in 2023, he’s helped build one of the better teams in the American Hockey League.
Last I was told, Bridgeport Islanders general manager Chris Lamoriello, who also serves as an assistant GM, will be Hamilton’s general manager for its inaugural season.
I believe Pellegrini and Lamoriello have one year remaining on their contracts after signing extensions near the end of Lou Lamoriello’s tenure.
To me, though, the biggest thing Gold would bring is balance.
He has a great understanding of analytics, but from everyone I’ve talked to, he’s not someone who’s going to follow the numbers blindly. He values analytics, but he also trusts what he sees. There’s a healthy balance between the data and the eye test, and I think that’s exactly what you want in today’s NHL.
The Islanders already won one bidding war this summer by landing Jay McKee to coach the Hammers.
Adding someone like Gold would be another win.
He’s interviewed for NHL general manager jobs before, finishing as a finalist for both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks openings.
Ryan Bowness, who is entering his second season as an Islanders assistant GM and director of player personnel, was also a finalist in Vancouver and interviewed in Toronto.
Gold feels like another fit for what Darche is trying to build.
Since taking over, Darche has made it clear that one of his priorities has been modernizing the organization.
It may seem odd for one organization to have four assistant general managers, but Darche came from Tampa Bay, where there was a handful of assistant GMs under Julien Brisebois.
Having more experienced voices in the room is certainly a great thing.
Darche has talked about wanting to collaborate and surround himself with smart hockey people. Over the next few years, with so many important prospect decisions and contract negotiations ahead, having another experienced voice like Gold could prove extremely valuable.
Whether this happens remains to be seen, but if Gold does join the Islanders after his Bruins contract expires on Aug. 1, I think it would be another move that fits exactly what Darche has been trying to accomplish since taking over.
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This is great reporting and news 🗞️! Ownership is building this thing correctly. They seem to be stock piling great young hockey talent evaluators and developers. Gold seems to have some unique skill sets. Darche promised to build an excellent organization, and ownership is putting up the capital. I see these Patrick Liane articles. We are finished with the DuClair Engvall types. Liane is a shell of the player he was in Winnipeg. This guy fell off a cliff mentally at some point and he ain’t coming back. We don’t need or want a player like that. Especially if we are committed to playing good defensively. Leave the door 🚪 open a crack for Cole Eiserman. Eiserman might make this team. To me Eiserman might be the perfect match for Barzel. Eiserman - Barzel - Schenn. It’s going to be hard for Eiserman to make the team out of Camp. He is going to have to literally explode. Either he forces his way into a Top 6 role or he is in Hamilton. The team must get out of the gate quickly. To me you have to take a good long look at Eiserman because of the power play.
https://www.si.com/nhl/islanders/onsi/news/breaking-down-if-victor-eklund-should-be-with-ny-islanders-in-nhl-right-away
If he didn’t make the team it would be a huge disappointment. The kid is ready and has the all around game to thrive. His defense, speed, and forecheck is reason enough. I have little doubt he will make the team. In fact he will be in the running for the Calder. He might not have the raw points to win, but he will be up there for consideration. Playing against older competitors won’t bother him, and the attitude he has is a major reason why. Victor Eklund was a very wise selection. The Dobson Trade will go down as one of the Best this club has made.