"At the dawn of a new season - and a new era under general manager Mathieu Darche - the New York Islanders look and feel different. A strong, detail-oriented training camp has the team entering the 2025-26 season with renewed energy, increased competition, and a renewed belief. Darche met with the media this week to discuss roster decisions, player development, and the tone being set across the organization."
"His message was clear: standards are rising, youth is being trusted, and internal competition will drive performance. At the center of it all is 18-year-old Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick who earned his way onto the opening night roster after an exceptional camp. Around him, the Islanders are building depth through balance - managing veterans while ensuring prospects like Isaiah George and Calum Ritchie develop properly."
Mathieu Darche has instituted a new standard across the New York Islanders organization, emphasizing rising standards, trust in young players, and internal competition to elevate performance. A rigorous, detail-oriented training camp delivered renewed energy and competition heading into 2025-26. Eighteen-year-old Matthew Schaefer earned an opening-night roster spot after an exceptional camp, signaling faith in top prospects. The club is balancing veteran management with deliberate development of prospects such as Isaiah George and Calum Ritchie. Increased practice intensity and peer accountability under Patrick Roy have reshaped locker-room culture. Organizational depth is being built through balanced roster construction and development in Bridgeport.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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