New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello’s firing of head coach Barry Trotz on Monday sent shock waves around the NHL. While there’s speculation and suggestions over where the well-respected Trotz will land, it remains to be seen who replaces him behind the Islanders bench.
Whoever Lamoriello hires will be expected to work well with the Islanders’ young forwards. The Athletic’s Kevin Kurz suggested Trotz’s handling of Oliver Wahlstrom plus Mathew Barzal’s reduced role and ice time may have contributed to his dismissal. Winger Matthew Beauvillier, 24, is also coming off a disappointing performance this season.
Kurz also proposed several experienced options, including Mike Babcock and Joel Quenneville. Both carry baggage from their previous tenures, with Quenneville’s requiring the permission of commissioner Gary Bettman to return to the NHL coaching ranks. TNT hockey analyst Rick Tocchet and current Isles assistant coach Lane Lambert were also on Kurz’s list.
NYI Hockey Now’s Stefen Rosner said he’d been told Lamoriello has already inquired about former Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice and two-time Jack Adams Award winner John Tortorella. He also suggested Pete DeBoer could be a candidate if he’s relieved of his current duties as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights.
The always-secretive Lamoriello won’t tip his hand over who he has in mind, telling the media there’s no timetable to find Trotz’s replacement. He’ll likely attempt to have that role filled before the NHL draft on July 7 and 8.Â
