When New York Islanders Co-Owner, Operating Partner, and Alternate Governor John Collins reflected on his time with Lou Lamoriello during an appearance on the 100% Hockey podcast with Millard and Shannon, he called it “a masterclass in a mentality in how to compete.” Every detail mattered, every decision was intentional, and nothing was arbitrary. That disciplined structure defined the Islanders for years — and it worked. But as Collins noted, “sometimes you just need change, and that’s what happened here.”
Enter Mathieu Darche. The first-time general manager inherited a loyal and tight-knit group shaped by Lou’s structure, and Collins acknowledged the challenge: “As a first-time GM, did he have the management and administrative chops to do the gig?