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New York Islanders Officially Name Luke Richardson Assistant Coach

Jan 19, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders interim head coach Doug Weight coaches against the Dallas Stars during the first period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders interim head coach Doug Weight coaches against the Dallas Stars during the first period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The much rumored New York Islanders coaching shakeup is underway. Luke Richardson has officially been named assistant to head coach Doug Weight. Let the youth thrive.

It had been rumored for a while that the New York Islanders would be naming a new assistant coach to help Doug Weight. And now former Binghamton Senators coach Luke Richardson has been officially named.

The Assistant Coach position was left vacant after Doug Weight took over for the fired Jack Capuano. During the half-season behind the bench Weight’s position wasn’t backfilled meaning that an appointment was imminent this offseason.

Richardson’s Pedigree

As a player, Richarson played 1417 games across 21 NHL season. He played for six different NHL teams amassing 201 career points. Including a six-year stay with the Edmonton Oilers between 1991 and 1997 where he played with none other than Doug Weight.

As a head coach with the Ottawa Senators AHL affiliate in Binghamton, Richardson had a 153-120-31 record in four seasons. And lead the junior Sens to the AHL playoffs on two occasions.

According to Doug Weight, Richardson will bring the following to his role as an assistant coach:

"Luke brings a tireless work ethic and outstanding character to our organization. He’ll have his hands on every aspect of the team, including our systems, skill development and team culture"

With young players like Anthony Beauvillier, Joshua Ho-Sang, Mathew Barzal and Ryan Pulock likely to make the roster next season player development is paramount for the Islanders. Especially since it hasn’t been something they’ve excelled at in recent history.

Another hope is that he can help a terrible Islanders power play that ranked 28th in the league with a 15% efficiency, scoring 35 goals in 234 opportunities.

Next: Top 10 Isles Draft Picks In Last 10 Years

Either way, the Islanders will look totally different behind the bench next season. Not only was longtime coach Capuano let go in the middle of last season, but Bob Cokrum, who’s been an assistant for the last three years was also let go after Richardson was appointed.

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