Former NHL defenseman could be joining NY Islanders' coaching staff

There has been plenty of turnover in the NY Islanders coaching staff from last season as Mitch Korn and Doug Houda have departed the organization, and Tommy Albelin and Chris Terreri have joined Patrick Roy's staff at the NHL level.

But there may be more additions to the coaching staff before the start of training camp just over a month away.

From World Champion to the NHL?

Marek Židlický played 12 NHL seasons, including his final one with the Islanders during the 2015-16 season. Since then, he's been part of the Czech National Team's coaching staff, most recently serving as an assistant coach with the senior team that won gold at the 2024 World Championship.

With his contract expiring after the tournament, Židlický's future with the Czech's remains uncertain.

"Židla [Židlický] received an offer from us for a multi-year contract that also covers the next Olympics," Alois Hadamczik, the President of the Czech Ice Hockey Association told iSport.cz (translated to English)." At first, he refused her, saying that he would change his mind. I spoke directly with him and he told me that he is still undecided."

Hadamczik continued, fueling the rumor that Židlický could be making a return to Long Island. “Islanders? Yes, he said he got an offer from them."

If Židlický were added to the Islanders staff, it would be assumed that he'd be brought in to work with the defenseman. He could team up with Johnny Boychuk, as Boychuk handles the defensive side of the game with Židlický working in a more offensive role, possibly benefitting Noah Dobson.

In his one season with the Islanders, Židlický scored four goals and added 16 assists in 53 games. He was part of the Islanders' power play unit, quarterbacking the man advantage from the point.

This is of course just a rumor as of right now, but certainly something to keep an eye on.