The New York Islanders are in the midst of a significant transition following the firing of long-time general manager Lou Lamoriello. With a new era on the horizon, the Islanders are exploring potential candidates to fill the void, and one of the names that has surfaced is Jeff Gorton, currently serving as the executive vice president of hockey operations for the Montreal Canadiens.
Arthur Staple of The Athletic reported on May 6, 2025, that the Islanders have initiated conversations with the Canadiens about the possibility of interviewing Gorton. However, the Canadiens have made it clear that Gorton is off-limits, emphasizing their intent to keep him in Montreal. Pierre LeBrun of TSN confirmed this, stating, "Gorton is in Montreal to stay and will not be accepting jobs in other markets." This response highlights the Canadiens' commitment to their current management structure, which has shown promise in recent months.
Gorton joined the Canadiens in November 2021 and has been instrumental in guiding the team through a rebuilding phase. His partnership with general manager Kent Hughes has yielded unexpected success, including a surprise appearance in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Canadiens were eliminated in the first round by the Washington Capitals, but the experience has been invaluable for their young roster.
During a press conference on May 5, 2025, Gorton reflected on the season, noting, "There's a lot of benefits in what players were able to do this season, but we're certainly not done. There's a lot to do here." This sentiment underscores Gorton's dedication to seeing the Canadiens' rebuild through to its conclusion, a process he felt was cut short during his tenure with the New York Rangers, who dismissed him in the 2020-21 season.
While Gorton remains the focus of the Islanders' interest, they are also considering other candidates. Ken Holland has emerged as a frontrunner for the position, and the Islanders are keeping their options open as they search for a new leader to guide the franchise.
In addition to Gorton, the Islanders have expressed interest in former Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin. However, Bergevin is also in the mix for the general manager position with the Los Angeles Kings, which complicates matters for the Islanders. The Columbus Blue Jackets previously considered hiring Bergevin but ultimately opted for Don Waddell instead.
The Islanders' search comes at a pivotal time, as they recently won the NHL Draft Lottery and will have the first overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. This opportunity presents a chance for the new general manager to inject fresh talent into the organization, which has struggled in recent seasons.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their management, the Islanders are poised to make significant changes. The team has an aging roster and will need to make strategic decisions to ensure they remain competitive in the league. The allure of the first overall pick could be a key factor in attracting a high-profile general manager who can revitalize the franchise.
As the Islanders navigate this transitional period, the Canadiens remain steadfast in their commitment to Gorton. His leadership and vision have been crucial in steering the Canadiens towards a brighter future, and losing him would be a significant setback for the organization.
In conclusion, while the Islanders are actively pursuing Gorton as a potential candidate for their vacant general manager position, the Canadiens have made it clear that he is not available. Gorton's commitment to the Canadiens' rebuild, coupled with the success the team has experienced under his guidance, makes him a valuable asset that the Canadiens are determined to keep. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on both franchises as they look to shape their futures in the NHL.
