In a surprising turn of events, the New York Islanders have announced the hiring of Patrick Roy as their new head coach. This move comes as a shock to many in the hockey world, as Roy has been out of coaching since his departure from the Colorado Avalanche in 2016.
Patrick Roy is no stranger to success in the NHL. As a player, he was one of the most dominant goaltenders of his era, winning four Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and the Avalanche. His fiery personality and competitive nature made him a fan favorite, and he quickly became known for his ability to make game-changing saves.
After retiring as a player, Roy turned his attention to coaching. He took over as head coach of the Avalanche in 2013 and immediately made an impact. In his first season behind the bench, he led the team to a Central Division title and won the Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year.
However, his tenure in Colorado was not without controversy. Roy clashed with management over personnel decisions and ultimately decided to step down from his coaching duties. Since then, he has been working as a consultant for various teams and has expressed a desire to return to coaching.
The Islanders’ decision to hire Roy is seen as a bold move by many. The team has been searching for a new head coach since firing Doug Weight at the end of the 2017-2018 season. Roy’s experience and success as a player and coach make him an intriguing choice for the Islanders, who are looking to build on their recent success and make a deep playoff run.
In addition to the Islanders’ coaching news, another notable development in the NHL is the return of Jonathan Quick to Los Angeles. Quick, who was traded to the Calgary Flames in July 2021, has been reacquired by the Kings in a trade that sent goaltender Jacob Markstrom to Calgary.
Quick is no stranger to success in Los Angeles. He was a key part of the Kings’ two Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP in 2012. His acrobatic saves and ability to come up big in crucial moments made him a fan favorite in Los Angeles.
However, Quick’s performance has declined in recent years, and the Kings decided to move on from him in the offseason. The trade to Calgary was seen as a fresh start for Quick, but it appears that he will be returning to familiar territory sooner than expected.
The return of Quick to Los Angeles is sure to be met with mixed emotions from Kings fans. While many will be excited to see one of the franchise’s greatest goaltenders back in the fold, others may question the decision to bring him back considering his recent struggles.
Only time will tell how these two developments will impact their respective teams. For the Islanders, the hiring of Patrick Roy brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. As for Jonathan Quick, his return to Los Angeles presents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to recapture the magic that made him a legend in Kings’ history.
