Islanders Hire Ray Bennett, Bob Boughner as Assistants Under Patrick Roy

The New York Islanders have revamped their coaching staff by hiring veteran assistant coaches Ray Bennett and Bob Boughner to join head coach Patrick Roy’s team. Bennett, who was recently let go by the Colorado Avalanche following a disappointing playoff power play performance, brings 24 years of NHL assistant coaching experience, including a Stanley Cup win with Colorado in 2022 and a strong track record of power play success. Boughner, formerly head coach of the Florida Panthers and San Jose Sharks, and most recently an associate coach with the Detroit Red Wings, will likely oversee the penalty kill for the Islanders. The move follows the dismissal of longtime Islanders assistants John MacLean and Tommy Abelin, with Bennett expected to take over the struggling power play unit that ranked last in the NHL last season. The hiring marks a significant offseason overhaul by new general manager Mathieu Darche, who retained Roy but reshaped the coaching staff to improve special teams and overall team performance. Both new assistants bring extensive NHL experience and hope to elevate the Islanders’ play as they aim to return to the playoffs.