What If GM Mentor Has Been Here All Along -- Not Talking About Lamoriello
Could the Islanders look internally for that mentor for their next general manager?
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The chatter surrounding the New York Islanders president of hockey operations hire has been about having someone come aboard who can serve as a mentor, especially if a younger general manager is brought in.
It makes complete sense.
While names like Ken Holland — he doesn’t appear interested — and Marc Bergevin — he may be sticking in LA — were thrown around as potential options, what if the mentor is already part of the organization?
No, I’m not talking about Lou Lamoriello. I’m talking about Stephen Pellegrini.
For those who do not know, Pellegrini is a long-time VP of hockey operations and an assistant GM, starting with Lamoriello in New Jersey. He remained in Jersey when Lou went to Toronto before rejoining him on the Islanders.
If a GM like Tampa Bay Lightning’s Mathieu Darche was hired, Pellegrini could serve as the mentor while remaining as Darche’s assistant.
Give him an associate GM role — nice pay raise — and call it a day.
CTO of Betalytics and Host of Puck Social, Rachel Doerrie, had this to say:
Here’s more on Pellegrini, per the Islanders team directory:
Stephen Pellegrini was named Assistant General Manager of the New York Islanders on June 12, 2018. Pellegrini joined the Islanders after working for the New Jersey Devils as the Vice President of Hockey Operations from 2006-2018. During Pellegrini's tenure in New Jersey, the Devils posted four 100-point seasons, made the playoffs six times and reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2012. Prior to joining the Devils, Pellegrini spent eight seasons as Group Vice President of the NHL's Central Registry Department (1998-2006). There, he served on the league's CBA negotiating committee and assisted on CBA rules and regulation enforcement. Pellegrini served as the Director of Hockey Administration from 1995 through 1998 for the Edmonton Oilers. Pellegrini earned his graduate degree in sports administration from Montreal's Concordia University in 1991. He received his undergraduate degree in history from King's College at The University of Western Ontario.
I wrote the other day that the Islanders aren’t running out of time, given they have a month-plus to get things in order. There’s panic from the fan base, which I get.
But there would be less panic if the Islanders only tried to fill one hole instead of two.
I believe that Darche is a prime candidate for the Isles GM job — I always have — and Pellegrini would be a perfect mentor to help him navigate the team’s obstacles, especially if Lamoriello is completely out of the picture.
I know you all saw the report that Lamoriello could remain here in an advisory mentor role. I can’t sit here this morning and tell you, with certainly, that the report is false, but I don’t think it’s being considered right now.
Maybe it was something that was considered prior.
I’ll keep you updated if I hear anything more concrete.
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Everyone is getting twisted when this is a normal hiring timeline. Collins ain’t stupid he knows getting this right is a pivotal moment for the franchise. The news about Lou came out on April 22nd. Seventeen days ago, with a handful of candidates still engaged in their team’s playoff runs. I rather they explore every possible candidate and take their time. This Ownership Group has done everything correctly. Hiring Lou was a very good decision. The Biggest fault of Lou was trying to milk out this group, and not realizing it needed to be retooled sooner. I think he basically admitted that. Collins is a top business owner, the idea that he isn’t going to be successful in this search is ridiculous. I wasn’t on board with hiring a Lou clone in Holland or any of the retread candidates. Honestly you most likely have your man in the building already let Patrick GM. Hire a President that is a Cap and Contract dude.