Lane Lambert
(Alex Brandon / AP Photo)

First-year New York Islanders associate coach, Lane Lambert, may already be on the move as the Anaheim Ducks search for their new head coach.

Matt Di Giacomo

After only one full season with the New York Islanders, Lane Lambert could be making his way out west.

As the Anaheim Ducks intensify their search for their new head coach, a decision could be forthcoming sooner than later.

In the years after joining the Nashville Predators’ bench in 2011-12 as an assistant coach, Lambert was seen as a dark horse candidate for an NHL coaching vacancy. Since his introduction into the NHL, Lambert has followed Barry Trotz from Nashville to Washington, and most recently to Long Island.

When asked about his potential promotion, Trotz was all class as usual according to The Athletic’s Josh Cooper.

“All my assistants I’ve ever had, I want them all to be head coaches. I don’t want them not to be head coaches,” Trotz said. “Some of it is timing. Some of it is circumstance. Some of it is perception. In this business, to get a break you need someone to be in your corner and knowing someone. I think Lane has enough people in his corner who he’s worked with, who know him and his success as a head coach and his success as an assistant coach and now as an associate coach. There’s a reason we’ve had success together. He’s a big part of it, for sure.”

For the first time in almost a decade, Trotz may have to find himself a new right-hand man.

That is, assuming Lambert is offered the position. As of right now, the belief seems to be the front-runner is Dallas Eakins who has coached the San Diego Gulls since the 2015-16 season.

This puts the Islanders in a precarious position—Trotz (obviously) accredits a large portion of his coaching philosophy to Lambert and the Isles defense owes a lot to him.

The situation will be closely monitored as the offseason goes on.

Grew up a diehard Islanders and Mets fan based out of Northern New Jersey. Concluding my Broadcast Communications degree at William Paterson University. WP Sportsdesk member, Stan Fischler correspondent, music buff and total Star Wars freak. Follow my social media handles to learn more. Matt Di Giacomo is a Staff Writer for the Islanders on Elite Sports NY. He encourages team discussion. Tweet him @mdigiacESNY and check out his reviews on YouTube.