With Changes In Bridgeport, It’s Time For Islanders Prospects To Prove Themselves
The Bridgeport Islanders have 17 players not under contract for 2026-27, making this upcoming season a major prove-it year.
Given what transpired with the New York Islanders' AHL affiliate over the last handful of years, my first question to Mathieu Darche at his introductory press conference was about the importance of Bridgeport — and how vital it is to the overall success of the franchise.
“I believe in developing in a winning environment,” Darche said. “It doesn’t mean you’re going to win every year because the AHL is one of the toughest places to coach… so the AHL will definitely be a focus for me because your players have to be ready. Because, let’s face it, every team needs players called up during the year.
“Player development is a huge part of developing a winning organization. I want us to develop well. I want us to have success in the AHL. When I say [the organization] is ‘vertically integrated,’ that’s what it is. You can’t just have a good NHL team and [say], ‘I don’t care about the AHL [affiliate].’ That’s your pipeline. You have to move forward. Player development — that’s where I think the Tampa Bay Lightning have done an unbelievable job.”
There’s no question that the collective failures in prospect development fall on the organization. But now, with a new general manager who recognizes past shortcomings, Darche is doing what he can to put the right people in place to change that narrative.
First, he hired Ryan Bowness as assistant general manager and director of player personnel. While that role doesn’t include the Bridgeport GM title — still held by Chris Lamoriello — Bowness will likely be working closely with Bridgeport to ensure it’s aligned with the Islanders.
Darche also made sweeping changes to the coaching staff, hiring Rocky Thompson — former Lehigh Valley Phantoms head coach — who then brought in David Cunniff and Chad Kolarik as his assistants.
Collectively, that trio has nearly 1,000 AHL games under their belts, not including Darche himself, who played 599 total AHL games. These are coaches who understand the grind — and in Thompson’s case, know how to get players to the next level.
The support staff in Bridgeport, top to bottom, has never been stronger.
Is it now fair to say the ball’s in the prospects’ court?