The Organizational Litmus Test Mathieu Darche is testing the Islanders’ internal defensive depth after Alexander Romanov’s injury, weighing development vs. adding help. Stefen Rosner, David Kolb, and The ElmontersJan 05, 2026∙ Paid3SharePHOTO: Dennis DaSilva / New York IslandersELMONT, NY — It would have been really “easy” for New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche to go externally to find a replacement once Alexander Romanov went down with a long-term injury.We’ve seen it before.This post is for paid subscribersSubscribeAlready a paid subscriber? Sign inPreviousNext