How Islanders eventual new GM hire can change tone of franchise

Lou Lamoriello always hid it fairly well, but for an 82-year-old he was far more open to analytics and new-age thinking than anyone would expect.He was not spitting on advanced models or concepts like expected goals, and the last coach he hired, Patrick Roy, regularly would cite statistics from SportLogiq, the service the Islanders use to keep track of advanced stats.Still, at heart, Lamoriello wanted his teams to play the same style that’s been his trademark for decades: build from the goal out; structured defense; defend a lead.The Islanders’ four-person analytics department, led by Taran Singleton, is one of the smallest in the league by numbers, according to tracking compiled by The Athletic’s Shayna Goldman, and could use some beefing up.The revamping of the front office that will occur under a new general manager is a chance to set a new tone there.

Indeed, it is believed that operating partner John Collins, who is leading the search for a new GM, is open to a new-age hire in the mold of Carolina’s Eric Tulsky, though that path is by no means set in stone at the moment.Surprising as it would be if the Islanders did not at least speak with Ken Holland, who is as old school as it gets this side of Lamoriello, there are plenty of names more open to the new school — or graduates of it — who could get a look as well.This will be an expansive search.Alexandra Mandrycky, the Kraken’s 34-year-old assistant GM with a background in data science, is one such option who would make a loud statement about the club’s intentions.

It’s believed Mandrycky, who began working in the league as an analyst with the Wild in 2015, has at least been suggested to Collins as someone to speak with, though it’s not yet clear whether he’ll do so.Another trailblazing option would be Kate Madigan, currently an assistant general manager across the Hudson with the Devils.While Madigan’s background is not solely analytical — her father, Jim, played college hockey and...