Former Canadiens Goaltender Patrick Roy Named Islanders Coach

Patrick Roy is known as one of the best goaltenders to ever play for the Montreal Canadiens, as well as one of the top netminders in the entire history of the NHL.

Following a great career with the Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche that saw him earn three Conn Smythe trophies and four Stanley Cups, the legendary goaltender became the owner of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Quebec Remparts franchise. He also served as the vice president of hockey operations, the general manager, and the head coach for the illustrious Canadian Hockey League franchise.

His success in the QMJHL led to a coaching job in the NHL with his former team, the Avalanche, as well as another job as the team’s vice president of hockey ops.

After spending three years in the NHL, Roy abruptly resigned from his position with the Avalanche. He decided to take a couple of seasons off before eventually returning to his QMJHL team, the Remparts.

With five more years of coaching experience under his belt, not to mention a Memorial Cup trophy in 2022-23, Roy announced he would be leaving the QMJHL this summer. Over the course of 13 seasons with the Remparts, Roy had a 524-255-66 record. In the NHL, Roy has produced a 130-92-24 record, in addition to winning the Jack Adams trophy in 2013-14.

The Hockey Hall of Fame inductee reportedly had a few options when it came to head coaching jobs in the NHL, but was in no hurry to make a decision.

The New York Islanders announced he would be taking over from former head coach Lane Lambert, who was relieved of his duties on Saturday. The Islanders are currently sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a 19-15-11 record.

#Isles News: New York Islanders President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Lou Lamoriello announced today that Lane Lambert has been relieved of his coaching responsibilities. Patrick Roy has been named Head Coach of the New York Islanders.

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 20, 2024

Patrick Roy was once rumoured to be in the running for a head coaching job in Montreal, but the stars never aligned between the All-Star netminder and the team that drafted him 51st overall at the 1984 NHL Entry Draft.

For more on the hiring make sure to visit our sister site New York Islanders Hockey Now.