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5h ago

Islanders Lock In No. 1 Pick as Darche Eyes Additional Top-10 Selection

The new GM plans to rejuvenate the roster with faster, younger talent building around a premier defenseman.

Mathieu Darche speaks as he is introduced as the new General Manager of the New York Islanders at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y., Thursday, May 29, 2025. (Howard Schnapp/Newsday via AP)
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Overview

  • Darche has ruled out trading the No. 1 overall pick, cementing the Islanders’ path to their targeted top choice.
  • Defenseman Matthew Schaefer is the frontrunner for the top spot after earning praise for his on-ice performance and character.
  • Islanders executives remain open to moving up in the draft to secure another top-10 pick, with Long Island native James Hagens of particular interest.
  • Negotiations are active to qualify restricted free agents, including Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov, ahead of the June 30 deadline.
  • These decisions cap a rapid shift in strategy as Darche drives a youth-focused rebuild following last season’s playoff absence.