Lamoriello’s final act? NY Islanders extensions for son Chris and Steve Pellegrini

When the New York Islanders announced on April 22 that Lou Lamoriello would not return as president of hockey operations, it marked the end of his hockey operations decisions - or so it seemed. Yet in the weeks following the announcement, Lamoriello remained quietly involved behind the scenes, reportedly “tying up loose ends” as his contract approaches its end in June.

Now, according to reports from Andy Strickland and later David Pagnotta, those loose ends may have included securing the futures of two of his most trusted allies: his son, Chris Lamoriello, and longtime confidant Steve Pellegrini. In classic Lou fashion, the news surfaced quietly on Friday, a day after the Islanders introduced Mathieu Darche as their new GM and executive vice president.

The extensions, which the team has not formally announced, reflect Lamoriello’s characteristic loyalty and preference for operating discreetly. Chris Lamoriello has overseen the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport and played a key role in scouting and player development. Pellegrini, who has worked alongside Lamoriello since their days in New Jersey, is regarded as a pivotal figure in contract negotiations and cap management. The fanbase has always been more open to Pellegrini returning than Chris, who oversaw disastrous seasons in Bridgeport as the AHL affiliate's GM. Darche announced Thursday that the team would have a new coaching staff this season.

What remains unclear is the timing. Were these extensions finalized during the season before Lou’s exit was confirmed, or were they among his final decisions after being informed he would not return?

At his introductory press conference, Darche offered no update on the status of either executive, each holding the title of Assistant GM, merely stating that Lamoriello “left a lot of good people” in the organization. Technically, Darche has the authority to make changes, but if Lamoriello ensured these extensions were in place before his departure, it seems increasingly likely both will remain in the fold, at least for now.

Whether these moves were strategic legacy planning or simply a final show of loyalty, one thing is clear: Lou’s fingerprints are still very much part of the Islanders organization, as evident by Darche's first moves being to retain Patrick Roy as head coach, followed by the formal announcement of the Kyle Palmieri and Adam Boqvist signings, two deals Lou had reportedly negotiated. Time will tell whether Darche looks to shape his own front office or leverage the one Lou left behind in his early days of running the Islanders' hockey operations.