Report: Islanders seeking front-office addition
The New York Islanders could be looking for a renovation upstairs?
While speculation persists about the future of Islanders coach Jack Capuano, who currently has just nine wins and sits last in the East, Newsday's Arthur Staple reports team ownership, which changed hands in the offseason, is looking to bulk up its front office.
While general manager Garth Snow appears safe, the team is looking to make a separate position of president of hockey operations. Snow currently holds both titles.
Rival NHL clubs have created similar roles in recent years, with Brian Burke holding the presidency of the Calgary Flames and Brendan Shanahan in the same capacity with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
According to Staple, the Islanders have reached out to two former NHLers to oversee the club operations, Pat LaFontaine and Brad Richards.
LaFontaine previously served as a senior advisor with the Islanders, but resigned when the club fired former GM Neil Smith after 40 days on the job, only to be replaced by then-backup goalie Snow. In November 2013, LaFontaine was named president of the Buffalo Sabres, a role he held for five months.
As for Richards, the recently retired forward has no ties to the Islanders, but spent two seasons with the rival New York Rangers. The 36-year-old retired in July after spending last season with the Detroit Red Wings.