Islanders lock up their replacement for Barry Trotz

NHL insider Frank Seravalli reports that the New York Islanders have promoted assistant Lane Lambert to the head coaching position, following the firing of Barry Trotz.

Lambert has been the Islanders' assistant coach for four years and was previously an assistant under Trotz with both the Washington Capitals and the Nashville Predators. Interestingly enough, he had been speculated to be the next head coach of the Detroit Red Wings given his history with Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman.

Lambert and Yzerman are good friends and have a long history dating back to their rookie seasons in 1983-84 playing for the Red Wings. With the Red Wings dismissing longtime head coach Jay Blashill earlier this month, it was believed that Lambert was Yzerman's choice as a successor. Obviously, this will play out differently in Detroit now. 

As for Lambert and the Islanders, they've got some work to do. The team looked to be a Stanley Cup contender just a calendar year ago but a tough season that was marred by a COVID-19 breakout and a particularly grueling schedule sewered the team's season before it really started. They'll be looking for a much needed turnaround under Lambert in 2022-23.