Patrick Roy Fired By New York Islanders Late In Season Shakeup

Former Colorado Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy was dismissed by the New York Islanders on Sunday, a decision that, while not entirely unexpected, still arrives at a striking point late in the season with only four games remaining. A Sudden Ending In Long Island Roy’s departure follows a difficult stretch for the Islanders, who have gone 3–7–0 in their last 10 games and are currently clinging to playoff positioning. A four-game losing streak appears to have accelerated the organization’s decision-making process, ultimately leading to the mid-April coaching change.

While the timing of the move is notable, speculation surrounding Roy’s future had been building for some time. Even early in the season, questions persisted about his long-term fit with the club. Despite that, the Islanders entered the year with Roy behind the bench, and at one point appeared positioned to return to the postseason.

Roy initially helped stabilize the franchise after taking over midway through the 2023–24 campaign, guiding the Islanders to an unexpected playoff berth. That success, however, was followed by a disappointing 2024–25 season, which placed him firmly on the hot seat entering this year. Although the Islanders showed stretches of improved play during the current campaign, inconsistency in the second half ultimately proved costly.

Roy’s Avalanche Tenure And Coaching Arc Roy’s firing in New York also brings renewed attention to his earlier coaching tenure with the Colorado Avalanche, where he made a significant impact both on and off the ice. Hired in 2013, Roy immediately turned the Avalanche into one of the league’s most competitive teams, earning the Jack Adams Award in his first season as head coach. Under his leadership, Colorado captured the Central Division title and posted a 52-win season in 2013–14, a dramatic turnaround from the year prior.