The New York Islanders have the man to make the first pick in the draft. Sources told ESPN’s Emily Kaplan on Friday that the team is hiring Tampa Bay Lightning assistant general manager Mathieu Darche as its new GM.

Darche played parts of nine NHL seasons with five teams. He has worked in Tampa Bay’s front office since 2019, helping the Lightning win two Stanley Cups. This will be the 48-year-old’s first general manager job.

He takes over for Lou Lamoriello, whose contract wasn’t renewed after seven seasons on the job.

New York didn’t make the playoffs this season and hasn’t made it past the first round since 2020-21 — when the Islanders lost in the East semifinals to the Lightning.

The Islanders lucked out in the draft lottery, jumping from 10th to the first selection. This will be the first time they will have the top pick since taking John Tavares in 2009.