Some big names are available if the NY Islanders decide to make a coaching change

When the NY Islanders and John Collins decide who will become the organization’s next General Manager, the first order of business will be to decide who will lead the team from behind the bench.

Patrick Roy hasn’t been let go by the organization, allowing the next person in charge to make a final decision on his future. But, as history has shown, newly appointed general managers typically prefer to bring in their own head coach, rather than continue with the ways of the old regime.

Big names are available

If Roy is relieved of his duties as Islanders Head Coach, there’s a plethora of options available with winning resumes.

The Pittsburgh Penguins recently moved on from Mike Sullivan, winner of the 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cups, and the only American-born head coach to lead a team to back-to-back titles. 

Johnson, 57, spent 10 seasons at the helm with the Penguins, but after missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season, GM Kyle Dubas has decided to move in a new direction, making Johnson one of the top names available.

Rick Tocceht, the former bench boss for the Vancouver Canucks, has decided not to re-sign in the Pacific Northwest 

“I'm choosing to move on from the Vancouver Canucks,” Tocchet said. “Family is a priority, and with my contract lapsing, this becomes the opportune time. While I don't know where I'm headed, or exactly how this will play out for me over the near term, I feel like this is the right time for me to explore other opportunities in and around hockey."

Tocchet took a faltering Canucks team from bottom-dweller to first place in the pacific division in just one season. 

Since returning to coaching in 2023, Tocchet has become one of the more notable names around the league and could be a prime candidate for the Isles if they elect to move on from Roy.