The New York Islanders recently introduced Mathieu Darche as their new general manager and executive vice president. In that press conference, he made a few significant moves to the NHL and AHL coaching staffs. But now, he has made his first impact on the roster. The Islanders and Kyle Palmieri agreed to a two-year, $9.5 million contract, which was announced on Friday.

Palmieri would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1 if this deal had not been signed. Rumors were swirling around his availability at the NHL Trade Deadline, but then-GM Lou Lamoriello did not deal him. Reports at the time indicated that the two sides were “getting close” on a deal, but nothing was official. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Friday that Darche did not negotiate this contract.

“$4.75M AAV…believe both of these deals had been agreed to before Mathieu Darche’s hiring, but obviously happily honoured,” Friedman reported, referring to Adam Boqvist's one-year deal.

Article Continues Below
More New York Islanders News
image thumbnail
Why Islanders must trade Jean-Gabriel Pageau in 2025 offseasonChristopher Hennessy ·
New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy (rear) reacts on the bench against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at PPG Paints Arena.
Islanders’ Mathieu Darche makes coaching staff changes, with a catchChristopher Hennessy ·
Kyle Palmieri in a New Jersey Devils jersey and devils logo with question marks around him, islanders, kyle Palmieri, nhl free agency, free agent
3 best Kyle Palmieri destinations in 2025 NHL free agencyBryan Logan ·
Andrew Mangiapane in the center with the Islanders, Predators, and Blue Jackets logo aroind him, Andrew Magipane, NHL Free agency, free agent, washington capitals
3 best Andrew Mangiapane destinations in 2025 NHL free agencyBryan Logan ·
New York Islanders star Noah Dobson ahead of NHL Free Agency.
3 best destinations for Islanders’ Noah Dobson in 2025 offseasonTristin McKinstry ·
Toronto Maple Leafs President and Alternate Governor Brendan Shanahan watched the game Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Scotiabank Arena.
Islanders rumors: New York won’t hire Brendan ShanahanColin Gallant ·

The Islanders traded for Palmieri from the New Jersey Devils during the 2021 season. He helped them get to a second straight semi-final, losing once again to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Palmieri signed a four-year deal that paid him $5 million annually, which was about to expire.

On the Islanders, Palmieri has played 305 regular-season games and scored 87 goals. In 30 playoff games, he has ten goals, including seven in his first season with the club. The 34-year-old is from Smithtown, New York, which is on Long Island, and could finish out his career with his hometown team.

Now, Darche goes into the offseason with slightly less cap space. He also signed defenseman Adam Boqvist to an $850,000 deal for just next season. But with the first-overall pick, he could add a cornerstone player for very little cap space. Darch and the Islanders can still be aggressive in free agency.