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Patrick Roy might not leave Islanders organization after all

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Apr 10, 2026 1:11 PM ET

After reports surfaced that Emily Kaplan suggested former New York Islanders coach Patrick Roy could remain with the Islanders in a scouting role, talk about what this would mean for the team was widely discussed by Isles fans this week.

If his time with the organization might not be over after all, what comes next? How does that work? Who does it benefit?

According to Stefen Rosner, there’s a real reason to believe that Roy sticking around is a legitimate possibility. He noted that Roy developed a strong relationship with Islanders management—particularly with newly hired GM Mathieu Darche—over the past season.

Darche has denied any talk that Roy lost the room, and players shot down speculation that the former’s talk of personally winning Stanley Cups was an issue internally. Roy moving on wasn’t as much about Roy as it was about getting Pete DeBoer on staff. Darche wanted to hire DeBoer and was worried he’d be scooped up by another team.

That said, “Darche and Roy became incredibly close,” Rosner shared, adding that Roy has “great respect and admiration” for both the organization and its players.

That level of mutual respect could go a long way in keeping Roy in the fold.

Contract Situation Also a Factor

There’s also a practical element to consider. Roy still has two years remaining on his contract, meaning the Islanders are already financially committed to him. Roy was released, so he doesn’t have to work, and he can still get paid. That doesn’t mean he wants to sit on his hands.

Keeping him involved in some capacity—whether in scouting, player development, or an advisory role—could make sense from both a hockey and business standpoint.

Beyond that, Roy’s reputation for working with younger players and his overall hockey acumen could be valuable assets for an Islanders team that may be looking to retool on the fly rather than undergo a full rebuild. It’s clear that, while in that role, Roy could seek out or interview for other head-coaching jobs should they become available.

Potential Concerns About Fit

Of course, the situation isn’t without its complications.

If Roy were to remain with the organization, there could be concerns about how that dynamic impacts a new coaching staff. Bringing in a new bench boss while keeping a high-profile former head coach in the organization always carries some risk. How will DeBoer feel about the old coach still being there? Maybe it’s not a dealbreaker. Interim coaches have become assistants under the new hires before. That’s not too far off from what this might look like.

Still, the overall sentiment of keeping Roy involved could be a net positive—provided both sides are aligned on the role.

For now, nothing is confirmed, but the door appears open for Roy to remain on Long Island in a different capacity.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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