New York Islanderscoach Patrick Roy will be back for the 2025-26 season, the team's new general manager announced. "Patrick's a winner," said Mathieu Darche, who was hired out of theTampa Bay Lightningorganization. "He had success when he came here the first year, he did have success. ... I went to meet with him last weekend just to get to know him more and I'm extremely comfortable and excited to be working with him. I know he's passionate. He works hard." But Darche said assistant coaches John MacLean and Tommy Albelin won't be back, along with the coaching staff of theIslanders' American Hockey League affiliate in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Roy returned to the NHL in 2023-24, replacing Lane Lambert that January and leading the Islanders to a playoff berth, where they were eliminated by theCarolina Hurricanesin the first round. But the Islanders finished at .500 this season and missed the playoffs. The team was hurt by long-term injuries to Mathew Barzal, Anthony Duclair, Noah Dobson and Adam Pelech. Darche, whoreplaces Lou Lamoriello, said he wants to build a fast-paced team that defends well. TheIslanders won the draft lotteryand hold the No. 1 overall pick in June. Darche said he'll do his due diligence and listen if other teams call but plans to keep the pick. "Someone would really have to knock my socks off to trade that pick because we're going to get a special player," he said. TheNew York Rangers hired Mike Sullivanon May 1. TheAnaheim Ducks hired Joel Quennevilleon May 8. TheVancouver Canucks (Adam Foote)andPhiladelphia Flyers (Rick Tocchet)hired coaches on May 14. TheBlackhawks hired Jeff Blashillon May 22. Boston Bruins,Pittsburgh PenguinsandSeattle Kraken. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Patrick Roy remains Islanders coach, GM Mathieu Darche says
