5 pressing questions for new NY Islanders GM Mathieu Darche fans need answers to

It's a new era for the New York Islanders, as Mathieu Darche was named their new General Manager and Executive Vice President on Friday afternoon. Darche has been viewed as a rising front office star in recent years, with a solid reputation from his time in Tampa Bay’s front office, an intriguing business background, and a well-versed knowledge of league matters. Darche arrives at a pivotal moment for a team stuck between contention and rebuilding.

Islanders fans are hungry for answers, and there’s no shortage of questions to ask. As Darche takes the reins, here are five pressing questions he’ll need to answer - and soon.

1. Will Patrick Roy be retained as head coach?

Let’s start with the big one. Patrick Roy brought a fiery edge and renewed energy to the Islanders' bench when he took over midseason two years ago, but the Islanders missed the playoffs last year after a disappointing 35-35-12 season riddled by injuries and historically bad special teams. Roy must shoulder the blame for some of that, even if two of his assistants were handpicked by Lamoriello. He also had a fallout with Anthony Duclair, and reports are that he and Lamoriello weren't always on the same page. When a new GM is hired, no coaching job is ever safe. Darche may want his own man behind the bench, or he could value what Roy brings and feel he can build a roster that best fits his style. The fanbase is split, but clarity is needed fast. Is Roy the guy going forward?

2. What will your relationship with Lou Lamoriello look like?

While the organization made a point in the announcement that Darche will be leading all of hockey operations, ownership still hasn't commented on whether Lou Lamoriello will maintain some role with the team, including being a senior advisor to ownership. Darche appears to have full autonomy to make modern, aggressive moves, but with no one being hired above him, it will be interesting to know whether Lamoriello will remain in the organzation and if Darche plans on using the Hall of Fame hockey executive as a resource for hockey matters, even if that's no longer in Lou's job remit.