NHL Rumors: Shanahan, Islander, Berube, Maple Leaf, Senator – Hockey Writer – NHL Rumors
Amid today's NHL rumors, New York Islanders hired Mathieu Darche as their general manager, which may indicate that Brendan Shanahan will not join the team's executive role. Elsewhere, Keith Pelley of Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment seems to like Craig Berube very much and may have more say in management decisions than most coaches. Ultimately, the Ottawa Senator may hope to reach a deal for the top four right-gun defenders in the offseason.
Shanahan may not join the islander
After reporting on Shanahan's permission to talk to the islanders about front desk work, it may be the president, and many believe he will be the one to hold the position. He seems to be joining the team once the Maple Leafs announce he won't be back.
Related: Maple Leaf Announces Brendan Shanahan Will Not Return to Be President
While it wasn't surprising that the Islanders announced the hiring of Darche as general manager, the decision was made before predicting the hiring of Shanahan as the president, some doubt he would find the job.
Typically, when the team hires the president during the offseason, they allow the candidate to choose their own general manager. David Pagnotta, the fourth phase, reported that he heard that Ducky would be the only manager hired by the islanders, adding up.
Shanahan's future is not yet known. While the obstacles to winning in the playoffs are flawed in his resume, there is no doubt that most teams would be happy to get him in the front desk to help them make a decision after a huge hockey ball, at least in the regular season, Shanahan is part of Shanahan.
Berube is in a unique position, maple leaves
Although the head coach is responsible for performing on the ice for the most part and has no say in the lineup, a report from track and field Chris Johnston suggests that Berube may be responsible for the head coach.
After Shanahan was released, there were some questions about the way Toronto’s front desk structure looks. Will they hire a new president or keep things the way they do?
During the Scotiabank Arena press conference, Pelley made numerous statements announcing his confidence in Berube and Treliving.
“I firmly believe that coaches have to be involved not just on the day of the game and in the locker room. And we have a great asset in Craig … Culture and chemistry are crucial. I believe that if you have the right culture and the right chemistry, it can make a difference between goals, and it's a touchdown.”
Keith Pelley, President and CEO of MLSE
One of the biggest problems Maple Leafs fans expressed during their tenure at Shanaplan is that it always seems to return to Shanahan regardless of what decision the general manager makes, which will make the same decision over and over again. Now, since Pelley and MLSE Board are above Treliving, there is no guarantee that changes will occur, but this seems to be a step in the right direction.
Senators search for markets for defenders
After the acquisition of Nick Jensen last offseason, the Senators' defense seemed to have completely changed, ultimately strong enough to get them into the playoffs. However, throughout the second half of the season, when Jansen was injured, it was obvious that the team had no players jumping high in the roster. Nikolas Matinpalo has performed well in the third pair but is better suited to the role than the top four.
Post Media, Pagnotta and others' Bruce Garrioch all connect the Senator to many of the defensive players who might be chosen. (from Ottawa Senator General Manager Steve Staios needs to prioritize defenders who get the right gunnerOttawa Sun, May 20, 2025). Some names for the Senators to throw include Rasmus ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers, Rasmus Anderson of the Calgary Flame or free agent option Aaron Ekblad.
The problem with finding a strong right shot in the top four defenders is that everyone else is too.
