Lou Lamoriello's reconstruction of the New York Islanders isunderway.
As announced on June 5, long-time general manager . It can be argued those were the easy decisions, considering Snow's track record Roquan Smith Jersey of four post-season berths and one series win in 12 years on the job and Weight's failure to lead the Islanders into the playoffs the past two seasons. Lamoriello a suming Snow's duties as GM -- at least for now -- seemed to be a no-brainer, too.
Now, the tough part. Hiring the next coach, one who can coax the best out of a relatively young, talentedgroup, whilecleaning up the myriad defensive i sues that resulted in the Isles surrendering more goals than any other team in the NHL this past season.
"As far as what kind of a coach (the Islanders need)? The best way I could put it is get the best person available," Lamoriello asked and answered on a conference call with reporters on Tuesday.
"The best coach for the players that we have. Not every coach is for every team, and not every team is for every coach."
While that really does not narrow things down much, here's our list of Top 5 coaching candidates for the Islanders, listed alphabetically Eddie Goldman Jersey .
MORE: Lou Lamoriello seeks "culture change" as Islanders move on from GM Garth Snow and coach Doug Weight
Sheldon Keefe
Current job: Head Coach, Toronto Marlies (AHL)Age: 37NHL record: 0-0-0
Keefe is the top minor league coaching candidate out there, especially after guiding theMaple Leafs AHL affiliate to the Calder Cup championship this year. Lamoriello has a working relationship with Keefethe past three years in the Leafs organization. During that time, Keefe not only coached the Marlies to seasons of 114, 89 and 112 points andsevenplayoff series Tom Waddle Jersey wins, but he helped develop several of the organization's top prospects, as well, which might be most appealing and relevant to Lamoriello and the Islanders. It doesn't always work out for the AHL coach-du-jour when he gets that NHL opportunity -- remember Dallas Eakins anyone? -- but it sure seems like Keefe is ready for his shot in the National Hockey League. And with Mike Babcock blocking his path with the Maple Leafs, the Islanders could afford him that opportunity. However, the most recent update on Keefe is him saying that he .
John Madden
Current job: Head Coach, Cleveland Monsters (AHL)Age: 45NHL record: 0-0-0
Like Keefe, John Madden is a current minor league bench bo s withno head coaching experience in the NHL, but with ties to Lamoriello. Madden has a winning pedigree, having been a part of three Stanley Cup champions -- including a pair with Lamoriello in New Jersey with the Devils -- during his 13-year playing career. His no-nonsense, hard-nosed, gritty style and demeanor made him a favorite with Lamoriello in New Jersey, and adds to his solid background. Madden also worked previously in the NHL as an a sistant with the Florida Panthers, something Keefe does not have on his resume.
D.J. Smith
Current job: A sistant Coach, Toronto Maple LeafsAge: 41NHL record: 0-0 James Daniels Jersey -0
First off, the narrative that D.J. Smith makes for a great story as aformer Islander returning home to revive his old club is rather overblown and downright off base. Yes, Smith was a 1995 draft pick of the Isles, but he never played a single second for the organization. However, he does bring an impre sive coaching resume to this conversation. Smith guided Oshawa to the Memorial Cup title in 2015, one year after being named OHL Coach of the Year. For the past three years he's been an a sistant under Mike Babcock with the Maple Leafs, where he worked for Lamoriello and is well-liked and respected by the players.
Dave Tippett
Current job: UnemployedAge: 56NHL record: 553-413-28-120
There are many veteran NHL coaches looking for jobs right now, including Alain Vigneault, Allen Robinson Jersey Darryl Sutter and Lindy Ruff. Heck, even former Islanders bench bo s Rick Bowne s was just let go as a sociate coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning. But what makes Tippett a fit with the Islanders is that the 2010 Jack Adams Trophy winner is a defense-firstcoach, and the Isles clearly need major help in that part of the game. The former Stars and Coyotes head coach is well-respected throughout the league, though does not have a prior working relationship Sherrick McManis Jersey with Lamoriello. The latest on Tippett, though, is that he seems set to be to be.
Barry Trotz
Current job: Free Agent
Age: 55
NHL record: 762-568-60-134
You may have heard Barry Trotz just coached the Washington Capitals to the first Stanley Cup in franchise history. You may have also heard that Trotz on June 18, ending any speculation that he would work out a new contract with Washington.
Hard to imagine Lamoriello did not phone his Caps counterpart Brian McClellan within seconds after the news broke.
Trotz is the odds-on favorite to get the job. But will he?
