The Daily: Holland Top GM Candidate For NYI?; Kiiskinen Cut

Arthur Staple of the Athletic reported Tuesday that former Red Wings GM Ken Holland is currently the top choice to be the New York Islanders new general manager.

Staples also reported Marc Bergevin is in the mix for both the Islanders and Los Angeles Kings. The Islanders have sought permission from the Montreal Canadiens to talk to Jeff Gorton about their vacancy.

On some #Isles items swirling around:

— As of now Ken Holland is top choice
— Contact made with MTL for permission to speak to Jeff Gorton
— Marc Bergevin in the mix for #Isles/LAK jobs
— Have not heard much on Kekäläinen/Chiarelli
— This may all change in an hour

— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) May 6, 2025

Holland, a long-time Red Wings GM, is currently working for the NHL is an advisory capacity. Prior to that, he had served as the Edmonton Oilers general manager.

New York Islanders Hockey Now writer Russ Macias wrote an opinion piece saying the two candidates he feels are best for the job are Bergevin and former Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekelainen because they have a “reputation for aggressive general management.”

Macias added: “The time of a patient but bold GM, like Lamoriello or current candidate Ken Holland, is now gone.”

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Red Wings Extra

Detroit prospect Jesse Kiiskinen, coming off a quality season for HPK Hameenlinna, was one of the cuts from the Finnish national team recently. Kiiskinen is only 19. He generated 14 goals and 44 points in 46 games in Finland’s SM-liiga.

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