Islanders deserve to take one massive swing for their next GM

The Islanders should be attracting the best and brightest candidates for the vacancies in the executive suite.Maybe they are, and maybe that’s the process unfolding behind closed doors.But in the few weeks since parting ways with Lou Lamoriello — who oddly remains on the franchise directory listed as president, general manager and alternate governor — it seems that we’ve seen or heard about a parade of recyclables vying for the job.

Not terribly inspiring.Marc Bergevin, really?But we’re not sure whether the Scott Malkin-Jon Ledecky ownership represented by proxy John Collins — listed on the directory as co-owner, operating partner and alternate governor — is seeking to hire one man to run the operation, who will then hire the general manager, who will then make the decision on head coach Patrick Roy and his staff who have been left in limbo?Or perhaps Collins will pull a Dick Cheney and will ultimately identify himself as the best person to assume the presidency while he looks only for the individual who will run the day-to-day hockey operation as a traditional general manager.There is a shared perception throughout the industry that modernizing the operation after Lamoriello’s singular presence the past seven years is going to be a massive job.There is a belief that this is scaring candidates away.I don’t quite get it.

The next president or GM will have the opportunity to create the Islanders hockey department in his (or her) own image.This is an ownership that has been supportive from Day 1.

This is a fan base, lord knows, that has had decades of practice at being patient.The Islanders collected a reservoir of good will off their draft lottery victory, which will allow the incoming GM to direct the hockey conversation for the next seven weeks.This individual will inherit a blank canvas.

If there is the perception that this is a huge job; there is no question that this is going to be a huge pick.Is there a continued promise of independence bet...