Islanders Fire Coach Patrick Roy, Hire Peter DeBoer to Support Goalie Ilya Sorokin

Defensive concerns around Sorokin led to coaching change with four games left in the season

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:23pm

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The New York Islanders have fired head coach Patrick Roy and replaced him with Peter DeBoer, citing a need to better support star goaltender Ilya Sorokin. ESPN's Emily Kaplan reported that the Islanders felt they were 'leaving Ilya Sorokin exposed' and needed a 'better defensive structure' around him. DeBoer, who was most recently the coach of the Dallas Stars, has been signed to a contract through the 2029-30 season.

Why it matters

Sorokin has been the Islanders' backbone this season, ranking second in the NHL in Goals Saved Above Expected. However, the team's defensive play has struggled recently, especially with injuries to key blueliners Alexander Romanov and Tony DeAngelo. The Islanders are hoping DeBoer can quickly implement a more structured defensive system to better protect their star goaltender.

The details

Roy, a Hall-of-Fame goaltender, was in his third season as Islanders head coach, compiling a 97-77-23 record in the regular season. But the team's defensive issues, particularly in front of Sorokin, led to the coaching change with just four games remaining in the regular season. DeBoer, who has previous head coaching experience with the New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, and Vegas Golden Knights, will be tasked with shoring up the Islanders' defense ahead of a crucial final stretch and potential playoff push.

  • The Islanders fired Patrick Roy on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
  • Peter DeBoer was hired as the new Islanders head coach, signing a contract through the 2029-30 season.

The players

Ilya Sorokin

The Islanders' star goaltender, who has been one of the best in the NHL this season but has been left exposed by the team's defensive struggles.

Patrick Roy

The former Hall-of-Fame goaltender who was fired as Islanders head coach after three seasons.

Peter DeBoer

The new Islanders head coach, who was previously the head coach of the Dallas Stars and has extensive NHL head coaching experience.

Alexander Romanov

Islanders defenseman who has been out injured since November, contributing to the team's defensive struggles.

Tony DeAngelo

Islanders defenseman who has been out for the entire recent losing streak, further weakening the team's blue line.

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What they’re saying

“Heard NY felt they were leaving Ilya Sorokin exposed and needed better defensive structure. There's more term than [John Tortorella Vegas Golden Knights] deal, so Isles are getting ahead of the cycle before someone else hired DeBoer this summer.”

— Emily Kaplan, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Islanders have four games remaining in the regular season, all at home. Their next game is on Thursday, April 10 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, followed by a crucial matchup against the Ottawa Senators on Friday, April 11. DeBoer will be tasked with quickly implementing his defensive system to help protect Sorokin and secure a playoff berth.

The takeaway

This coaching change highlights the Islanders' commitment to supporting their star goaltender Ilya Sorokin and improving the team's defensive structure. With DeBoer's extensive NHL experience, the Islanders are hoping he can quickly turn things around and guide the team to the playoffs, where they'll need Sorokin to be at his best.