Mathieu Darche sees future GM potential in NY Islanders latest front office addition

Mathieu Darche believes Evan Gold has the background, experience and ambition to eventually run his own NHL team.

The New York Islanders general manager just hopes that does not happen too soon.

Darche brought Gold into the organization as assistant general manager after the two developed a relationship over several years while working for rival organizations. Darche was with Tampa Bay, while Gold held a similar role in Boston, giving the two frequent opportunities to cross paths during the regular season, playoffs and annual AHL meetings.

“I felt he was a great complement to what I do,” Darche said.

Part of that comes from Gold’s background.

Unlike Darche, Gold is not a former NHL player. He is a lawyer, holds an MBA and has spent time inside two highly successful organizations. Before joining the Islanders, Gold worked with the Boston Bruins under Don Sweeney and previously spent time with the Washington Capitals during some of the franchise’s strongest seasons.

Darche believes that mix of legal, business and hockey experience gives Gold a different perspective and makes the Islanders’ front office stronger.

“He complements our team very well,” Darche said.

Gold also serves as general manager of the Hamilton Hammers, giving him additional responsibility overseeing player development and roster construction at the AHL level.

Darche does not expect him to remain an assistant forever.

“He’s an aspiring GM,” Darche said. “Eventually, he will be.”

That is both a compliment and a potential future problem for the Islanders.

If Gold continues building his reputation, other NHL organizations could eventually come calling when general manager positions open.

For now, Darche wants to take advantage of what Gold brings while the Islanders have him. “I just hope I have him for a few years,” Darche said. For an organization trying to modernize its hockey operations and build something sustainable, keeping talented executives may prove almost as important as developing talented players.

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