Who will coach Islanders after Roy?

Islanders replace Roy with DeBoer

New York has named Peter DeBoer as its next head coach after firing Patrick Roy with four games left in the regular season.

The move arrives while the Islanders remain in the playoff picture but with a fragile hold on it. Multiple reports emphasize that New York has been struggling during the run-up to April, including a skid that put the team in jeopardy of sliding out of postseason contention.

DeBoer takes over with the season’s final games essentially serving as a high-stakes evaluation period. That timing matters because there is limited runway to adjust lines, special teams, and in-game decision-making before playoff hockey begins.

Why DeBoer’s hire is notable

• Veteran NHL coach: DeBoer is viewed as a proven option to organize a team under pressure.
• Mid-push urgency: the replacement happens too late for typical long build cycles, so the hire is aimed at immediate impact.
• Stabilizing message: making a change this close to the playoffs signals the front office wants a sharper turnaround.

In short, the Islanders’ coaching change is a direct response to performance concerns late in the season, and DeBoer is now tasked with helping the team finish strong and enter the playoffs—if they secure a berth—with renewed structure and confidence.