Islanders: John MacLean named an Assistant Coach, Brian Wiseman no longer joining

New York Islanders head coach Lane Lambert chose his henchman to assist him behind the bench in Brian Wiseman and Doug Houda earlier this month. In a new development, the Islanders announced that John MacLean has been named an assistant coach along with Houda, however, Wiseman will no longer be joining the Islanders coaching staff. The reason for Wiseman's departure has yet to be specified.

MacLean has experience working under Isles current GM Lou Lamoriello, starting his assistant coaching journey with the New Jersey Devils from 2002-2009 and winning the Stanley Cup in 2003. He was promoted as the Devils' head coach in the 2010-11 season for 33 games but was fired after a 9–22–2 record sitting in last place in the Eastern Conference. Jacques Lemaire took over as the Devils' head coach on December 23rd for the remainder of the season. The Oshawa, Ontario native returned behind the bench in 2011 as an assistant coach for the Carolina Hurricanes until 2014. After Carolina, MacLean moved on to assist behind the bench of the Arizona Coyotes from 2017-2020, and last season he assisted Bob Boughner and the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks cleaned house on July 1st cutting ties with their coaching staff including MacLean.

Lambert's henchman will consist of Houda and now MacLean. The former right winger was drafted by the Devils in the first round (sixth overall) of the 1983 draft. A former two-time All-Star, MacLean played 1194 games for the Devils, Sharks, New York Rangers, and Dallas Stars, scoring 413 goals and 842 points.

MacLean's son, Kyle MacLean, plays for the Bridgeport Islanders. Kyle scored 10 goals and 24 points in 68 games last season.