Islanders brass seeks alumni input on new team president
New York Islanders owner Jon Ledecky stands at attention during the national anthem before a game against the Arizona Coyotes at the Barclays Center on Oct. 21, 2016. Credit: Getty Images / Bruce Bennett
As Jon Ledecky hosted Islanders great Bryan Trottier at a team function Monday and the game Tuesday night, more names have surfaced among those that co-owners Ledecky and Scott Malkin have sought out to get various perspectives on the organization.
A Newsday story Sunday reported that the two have been talking with high-level hockey people about a new team president. The discussions have involved potential candidates as well as Islanders alumni whose opinions are valued by the new ownership. Trottier, who appeared with Ledecky and Clark Gillies, Butch Goring and Bobby Nystrom at a Brooklyn rink Monday, would fit in the latter, advisory category.
Elliotte Freedman of Sportsnet in Canada on Tuesday mentioned the name of former Canucks general manager Mike Gillis as another recent conversation partner with the owners, along with those mentioned in the Newsday story: Pat LaFontaine, Brad Richards, agent Pat Brisson and former Canadiens executive Kevin Gilmore.
Former Islanders goalie Kelly Hrudey said during the Hockey Night in Canada telecast Saturday that he has had three emails from Ledecky, adding, “He wants input. He wants us at games.” Patrick Flatley and Glenn Healy also have been in contact, TSN’s Darren Dreger tweeted.
Flu prompts Mayfield call-up
With the flu hitting hard in the Islanders locker room, defenseman Scott Mayfield was recalled from Bridgeport on an emergency basis late Tuesday morning. Johnny Boychuk was not in the lineup.
Bellows on U.S. junior team
First-round draft choice Kieffer Bellows, son of longtime NHL player Brian Bellows, was named this week to the U.S. National Junior Team roster in advance of the World Junior Championships later this month. Bellows, a forward, has four goals, one assist and 32 penalty minutes in 14 games as a Boston University freshman so far.
