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[Chris Botta @ChrisBottaNHL]

On the next chapter for #Isles and why the Lou Lamoriello departure announcement had to be made today:

Isles ownership representatives, including Operating Partner John Collins, have started conducting a series of talks with executives about potential top roles in hockey operations. This includes discussions with former longtime GMs, one-time GMs, highly-regarded assistant GMs ready for the next step, and former players.

This is very early in the process and may take a while.

As word spread throughout the industry about Scott Malkin considering major changes and wanting to canvass opinions, a long list of established executives and rising stars in the business have been trying (and some are still trying) to get in the door to make their pitch to Malkin and the teams’ other owners. In some cases, through recommendations made by Collins or to Collins, NYI owners have proactively reached out and scheduled early talks with some intriguing candidates.

With the Islanders’ first-rate facilities and owners known for investing in their team and letting their GMs do their jobs with minimal interference, the Islanders’ job is an attractive one.

Of course, the big question for most candidates would be about the status of Lou Lamoriello. Because if the legendary GM was sticking around in any role, everyone knows he would have final say, making any openings far less attractive for the best candidates.

When the NHL advised Malkin in 2018 to hire Lamoriello, Lou told the NYI owners that he’d only take the job if he had complete autonomy as he did with the Devils. Malkin gladly gave it to him and Lou was a godsend. With his brilliant hiring of Barry Trotz, Lamoriello revived the NYI in memorable fashion in the run-up to the opening of UBS Arena. Malkin could not have asked for more.

Lamoriello was the right leader at the right time for #Isles. He hired Barry Trotz, elevated the perception of the team around the game, made some great moves, and managed the NYI to two Conference Finals.

Before his arrival, this was a franchise that went nearly 30 years without substantial playoff success. If this was the final stop of a legendary career, what an addition to Lou’s legacy.

Huge credit to Malkin, Jon Ledecky and John Collins for doing the right thing. Despite Lamoriello trying to pretend otherwise in his post-trade talk with reporters in March, he had the full run of show for seven years. The Islanders paid the price for this. They are not a thriving team or business. Change was needed.

These kind of decisions do not happen overnight. But do I think that 9-2 loss on home ice to the equally bad Rangers, woeful end to this season, and fan frustration had an impact? Yes, yes…

As I type this, Collins’ phone is sure to be blowing up. It has been bananas since the end of last week. Heck, some old friends and colleagues and players are asking me for the owners’ contact info. A deadline of mid-May to make the major hires is reasonable, for draft and free agency purposes. What’s most important is they hire the right people.

I wrote a few weeks ago that Collins, Malkin and Ledecky are deeply connected and accomplished entrepreneurs and it was on them to launch an exhaustive process to find the next era of Islanders’ leaders.

That process has already begun. Things are happening on the Island.

[Isles Territory @IslesTerritory]

BREAKING NEWS:

The Islanders will be moving on from Lou Lamoriello. #Isles

[Colorado Avalanche @Avalanche]

Welcome to the Burgundy and Blue, Brock and William!

[Chris Botta @ChrisBottaNHL]

Emotion aside, view this not as trading beloved Brock Nelson.

#Isles traded a UFA, who politely declined a solid contract, who turns 34 at start of next season, who you now won’t have for 21 games…

For a 20-year-old top prospect and a first round pick.

[Andrew Gross @AGrossNewsday]

Hearing #Isles last offer to Brock Nelson before trade to Avs was 3 years for slightly more than $7.5M per.
Think it's been clear for a while Nelson felt his smart play was to set his value via free agent market. The money was good but Nelson likely looking for more than 3 years.

[Stefen Rosner @stefen_rosner]

I don't think people understand the haul the #Isles just got.

Get to know Calum Ritchie @TheHockeyNews

https://t.co/cdvdWzT4CM

[🇺🇸 @RaisedInnABarn]

@clownworld She can’t make baskets

[🇺🇸 @RaisedInnABarn]

@nithgenga @ALaRocco0801 @craig_kiger I would not trade for EP 40 dude isn’t good

[🇺🇸 @RaisedInnABarn]

@ALaRocco0801

[🇺🇸 @RaisedInnABarn]

@FrankieBorrelli No

[Elon Musk @elonmusk]

@scarlett4kids The mind virus is highly contagious!

[🇺🇸 @RaisedInnABarn]

@stefen_rosner

[Everything Isles @everythingisle]

TONY DEANGELO #Isles

[Stefen Rosner @stefen_rosner]

#TimeToHunt HC Paul Maurice on #Isles coming out for Dmitry Kulikov's 1,000th #NHL game ceremony (h/t @ABaumgartner91):

[🇺🇸 @RaisedInnABarn]

D’Angelo! #isles

[Rob Taub @RTaub_]

Romanov hit on Makar 💪🏻👀

[🇺🇸 @RaisedInnABarn]

@KevinWeekes never say Die-landers #isles

[Libs of TikTok @libsoftiktok]

SCOOP: Sophia Hox, who holds a leadership position at a VA Healthcare System suggests she will circumvent Trump's policies by changing the name of DEI programs.

Hox says staff are being transferred to other positions and DEI initiatives/training will continue but will be "reframed."

[YESUV🚙 @IslesWhiteSUV]

Romanov the Wrecker

[🇺🇸 @RaisedInnABarn]

@ChnRstrntKng Fire 🔥