A Closer Look at the NY Islanders new Assistant Coaches

The NY Islanders have announced the new assistant coaches for the upcoming season, Bob Boughner and Ray Bennett. As we know, there have been some big changes to the Isles staff and organization altogether, which makes this season so exciting for Islanders fans. Fans can look forward to seeing new faces, new plays, and hopefully a cup contender.

Looking at Bob Boughner, 54, he has spent quite some time in the league, starting in 2010 with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has since been with the San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, and, most recently, the Detroit Red Wings for the last three seasons as an Associate Coach.

Boughner has 630 games under his playing career, which he spent between six teams, ending with the Colorado Avalanche in the 2005-06 season. He was selected in the second round (32nd overall) by the Detroit Red Wings in 1989.

Now taking a look at Ray Bennett, 63, who has been in the league since 1999-00. Bennett has spent his full NHL career as an Assistant Coach split amongst the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and most recently the Colorado Avalanche, where he worked as the assistant coach for eight seasons.

Bennett and Boughner will replace Tommy Albelin who was just hired in 2024, and John MacLean who was hired in 2022.

It will be a very interesting season with an almost completely clean slate, and Patrick Roy selecting his assistant coaches. We can now look forward to seeing how these two will fit in with the organization.