NY Islanders bring in ex-Flyers coach Ian Laperriere as professional scout

The New York Islanders have quietly strengthened their scouting department by bringing in a veteran of the NHL grind: Ian Laperriere, a rugged former forward with a reputation for determination and hockey IQ.

First reported by Anthony Di Marco of The Daily Faceoff, Laperriere joins the Islanders as a professional scout after guiding the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the AHL for the past four seasons. The 51-year-old led the Phantoms to the playoffs three times in four years. His coaching stint in Pennsylvania followed a lengthy tenure as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he spent nine seasons shaping their systems and working with young talent. Laperriere is now the second former Flyers assistant to join the organization after Rocky Thompson was named Bridgeport head coach earlier this summer.

Laperriere’s playing career was defined by his blue-collar ethos and willingness to battle in every corner of the ice. That tenacity translated naturally to coaching, where he earned a reputation for developing players’ competitiveness and commitment. As a pro scout, he'll be tasked with evaluating NHL and AHL-level talent.

Laperriere’s addition is another step in the Isles' new culture on and off the ice, being implemented by GM Mathieu Darche. His transition from behind the bench to behind the scenes is also a savvy staffing move, adding a pro eye to the organization’s decision-making. With experience assessing opponent tendencies and player temperament by coaching in the AHL, he offers a unique perspective compared to traditional scouts.

As the Islanders continue to triangulate talent through analytics, draft strategy, and pro scouting, Laperriere’s presence adds proven grit and insight to their front office. Sometimes, the sharpest evaluations come from those who’ve lived the game, and Laperriere certainly has, having skated in 1,083 NHL games, playing for five teams across 16 NHL seasons. He won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2011 in a season he didn't play a single game, after dealing with the aftereffects of the concussion and eye injury he suffered in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.