Islanders co-owner John Collins echoed the sentiments of his incoming head of hockey operations, who also has a business background away from hockey and a degree from McGill University in Montreal.

The Islanders should be excited about the player and person they’re getting.” Ritchie has length, vision and a real utility to his game. The leadership part is certainly there too.

Mathieu Darche, second from right, holds a jersey as he is introduced as the new General Manager of the New York Islanders at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y., Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Mathieu Darche, second from right, holds a jersey as he is introduced as the new General Manager of the New York Islanders at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y., Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Mathieu Darche, second from right, holds a jersey as he is introduced as the new General Manager of the New York Islanders at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y., Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Mathieu Darche was all smiles as he was formally introduced as the New York Islanders' executive vice president and general manager. The 48-year-old former NHL forward, who spent the previous six ...