Patrick Roy opens up on the speculation of a split between he and Islanders General Manager Lou Lamoriello

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Tom Banks
October 28, 2024 (7:41 PM)

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The New York Islanders have been solid early in the new year, but now there have been rumors of a split in the organization that Patrick Roy has addressed.

Through eight games this season, the New York Islanders have posted a solid 3-3-2 record, but away from the ice, there seem to be some major issues brewing. Recently, the organization defied the NHL's media rules that saw Head Coach Patrick Roy become unavailable for a media session before a game, and from all reports, it appears things behind the scene may be testy.

That was quickly followed by reports that General Manager Lou Lamoriello and Roy got into a major argument over the way things have been run, but on Monday, the veteran addressed the situation:

It's funny when people make it sound like Lou and I are not on the same page. It's false. We are talking every day about the lineup. Lou has the final say upstairs, and I have the final say behind the bench, and at the end of the day, we both care to win hockey games. And right now, I mean, I won't lie. I mean the spots, number 11 and 12, we don't feel comfortable yet with the guys, and we are going to try until we find guys that we are comfortable with.

Despite issues with their roster a season ago, the Islanders ran it back for the most part this season, and now, there may be question marks over how far they can go with the way the lineup is currently constructed. Roy may have put a positive spin on the way things have been handled in recent times, but frustration could be brewing, so this could very well be a story to watch this season, especially if the team starts struggling.