Islanders hire Evan Gold as assistant GM, Hammers general manager

The New York Islanders hired Evan Gold as assistant general manager on Monday, also naming him the first general manager of the Hamilton Hammers, the team's relocated AHL affiliate.

Gold, 46, spent the past 12 seasons with the Boston Bruins. He served as Boston's assistant general manager since 2019-20 and became general manager of the Providence Bruins in 2023. Last season, Providence posted the AHL's best regular-season record at 54-16-2-0 for 110 points and won the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy.

"Evan brings a rare combination of experience, intelligence, and results to our Hockey Operations department," Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche said in a statement. "Over the past several years, he has excelled in nearly every facet of building a successful franchise at the NHL and AHL levels, from contract negotiations and cap management to leading the Providence Bruins to the best record in the AHL this past season."

Gold will handle contract negotiations, roster strategy, professional and amateur scouting, and salary cap management. He joins a front office that includes assistant general managers Ryan Bowness, Chris Lamoriello, and Steve Pellegrini.

Chris Lamoriello, who had been GM of the Islanders' AHL affiliate since 2017-18, will remain as an assistant general manager focused on player personnel and working with the club's scouting departments, according to the team. During his nine seasons overseeing Bridgeport, Lamoriello compiled a 293-279-73 record.

The Hammers begin their first season in Hamilton after relocating from Bridgeport. Jay McKee will coach the team in his first season as an AHL head coach. Bridgeport clinched a playoff spot last season for the first time since 2021-22.