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Patrick Roy: Mathieu Darche Explains Why He Fired Him Last April

About six months ago, the New York Islanders took everyone by surprise when they fired Patrick Roy. This all happened with just four games left in the Isles' season, when they were still in playoff contention.

Yardbarker

Published: Monday, 12 October 2026 at 11:35 PM

Key Things to Know

Mathieu Darche explained he fired Patrick Roy because the Islanders needed a new voice and to hire Peter DeBoer.
Roy was dismissed with only four games remaining in the season while the Islanders were in playoff contention.
The Islanders failed to qualify for the playoffs following the coaching change to Peter DeBoer.

The Story in 60 Seconds

New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche explained on Marc Denis's podcast why he dismissed head coach Patrick Roy last April. Darche stated the team needed a new voice and that he wanted to secure Peter DeBoer before other NHL clubs could hire him.

The firing occurred with four games left in the season, though the Islanders missed the playoffs under DeBoer. Darche noted he maintains a respectful friendship with Roy, who remained without an NHL head coaching position for the 2026–27 season after considering the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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Patrick Roy: Mathieu Darche Explains Why He Fired Him Last April

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