Why Marc Bergevin should be in the mix for the NY Islanders' front office

When you think of New York Islanders alumni that should be considered for a position in the front office, Marc Bergevin is not a name that comes to mind. Not because he isn't an experienced General Manager, but because nobody thinks of him as an Islander. The former NHL defenseman was traded to Long Island in November 1988 with Gary Nylund for Bob Bassen and Steve Konroy and went on to skate in 78 of his 1,191 career NHL games with the team over two seasons.

Now, according to former VP of Media Relations Chris Botta, Bergevin, who is currently a senior advisor to Los Angeles Kings general manager Rob Blake, will reportedly be among the candidates that John Collins and Islanders brass will meet with to fill their front office void.

Bergevin brings nearly two decades of front office experience, a track record of bold decision-making, and a deep understanding of both player development and team building, which make him a contender for the position. His track record is far from perfect, and he is subject to criticism for trades that fell short, players that didn't live up to contracts, and decisions that went south, but that's part of the job, and any GM that holds a position long enough is going to have a list of best and worst moves and a legacy that plays out in the years to come.

In May 2012, Bergevin was hired as general manager and executive vice president of the Montreal Canadiens. He immediately began reshaping the organization, bringing in respected hockey minds such as Rick Dudley (assistant GM), Scott Mellanby (director of player personnel), and Martin Lapointe (director of player development). He hired Michel Therrien as head coach and later added Kirk Muller, Gerard Gallant, J. J. Daigneault, and Clément Jodoin to the coaching staff. Bergevin also recognized the importance of alumni integration and appointed former Canadiens defenseman Patrice Brisebois as a player development coach.

Under Bergevin’s leadership, the Canadiens made six playoff appearances in nine full seasons, including a memorable run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021 — an improbable and impressive feat which was followed by his sudden firing early into the following season. He was twice a finalist for the NHL General Manager of the Year award, finishing second in 2013–14 and again in 2020–21.

“Despite the fact that this journey is coming to an end, I am proud of the legacy I’m leaving within the organization,” Bergevin wrote in a statement after his dismissal in 2021 following nine seasons with the Habs. “The current team is much better than the results show, and I am convinced that my successors will be able to rise to the challenge.”

Bergevin’s front office career began in Chicago, where he rose through the ranks during the Blackhawks' transition into a championship-caliber organization. On June 15, 2011, he was promoted to assistant general manager, filling the vacancy left by Kevin Cheveldayoff. His time in Chicago overlapped with the early stages of their modern dynasty

Bergevin’s post-Montreal role as senior advisor to the general manager in Los Angeles has allowed him to remain active in NHL operations, gaining exposure to a new organizational model and front office philosphy that is more focused on youth, analytics, and sustained growth.

For the Islanders, who are seeking a fresh yet experienced vision after the Lou Lamoriello era, Bergevin offers a unique mix: experience managing in a high-pressure market, success in both rebuilding and contending cycles, and a willingness to surround himself with strong voices. He knows how to assemble a front office, isn’t afraid of risk, and can learn from past stumbles.