New York Islanders Officially Name Scott Gomez Assistant Coach
Mar 18, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Ottawa Senators center Scott Gomez (23) during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Buffalo beats Ottawa 3 to 1. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Islanders confirmed the hiring of Scott Gomez to the coaching staff on Tuesday.

Boom.

On Tuesday, the Islanders confirmed the hiring of Scott Gomez to the asst. coaching staff. Under Doug Weight’s guidance, New York has filled two of the three posts; the final is expected to be held by Kelly Buchberger.

Gomez, 37, spent more than one-and-a-half decades tormenting the Isles with the rival Devils and Rangers. He also spent an ample amount of time with the Canadiens, Sharks, Panthers, Blues and Senators.

Widely renowned for his terrific passing ability and speed, Gomez notched two Stanley Cups and the Calder Memorial Trophy during an NHL career that spanned sixteen seasons. His hiring represents a shift towards people with Stanley Cup victories on their résumes — as evidenced not only by his hiring but also by the signing last offseason of Andrew Ladd.

Although he’s never coached before, Gomez seems poised to work with the Isles’ egregious power play — a role Weight relinquished when he took the reigns of the team from Jack Capuano.

“Scott brings an immense amount of hockey knowledge to our coaching staff,” Weight said. “His offensive instincts, expertise on the powerplay and the way he could control the game with his skating and smarts, are all key elements that we want implemented into our group. He played in the league as recently as the 2015-16 season so he can relate to today’s NHL player in an effort to bring out the best in each member of the team.”

Last week, Weight expressed his desire in an interview with the NY Post’s Brett Cyrgalis to get “a little more assistance.” He said that NHL experience is “something I’m looking for and chasing,” but that it’s not the end-all.

Both Gomez and Buchberger, as well as the recently hired Luke Richardson, have competed at the NHL level. According to sources, Buchberger will join the team following the conclusion of the 2017 NHL Draft, in late June.

Justin Weiss is a staff editor at Elite Sports New York, where he covers the New York Islanders and Brooklyn Cyclones. In 2016, he received a Quill Award for Freelance Journalism. He has written for the Long Island Herald, FanSided and YardBarker.