What Patrick Roy told Peter DeBoer after being fired and replaced

Before officially taking the reins of the New York Islanders, Peter DeBoer shared a small but telling moment with his predecessor, Patrick Roy.

DeBoer revealed that he exchanged messages with Roy, who told him he was “really going to enjoy working with this group of Islanders.” It’s a brief note, but it highlights Roy’s respect for the roster even as his time behind the bench came to an end.

Roy was relieved of his coaching duties on Sunday, with DeBoer stepping in with just four games remaining in the regular season. The Islanders are battling for a playoff spot in a tight Eastern Conference race, and DeBoer inherits a team that has struggled recently, losing seven of its last ten games.

At 57, DeBoer brings a wealth of experience, having been available since last season’s departure from the Dallas Stars and serving as an assistant on Team Canada during the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

The focus now shifts to how DeBoer can guide the Islanders down the stretch.

But amid all the change and pressure, that quick text from Roy offers a rare glimpse into the camaraderie and respect that exists behind the scenes in the NHL.