In anticipation of the arrival of a new Islanders head coach, the organization has started parting ways with coaches from the Doug Weight regime.
Point Blank has learned that among those let go was Greg Cronin, who served as an associate coach under Weight, as an assistant under Jack Capuano, and as head coach in Bridgeport (2003-2005). Cronin, who was a close ally of ousted GM Garth Snow, has been around the Islanders on and off since 1998.
"As everyone expected, it's a blood-letting," said a source close to the team. "The only small surprise is that it's already happening...before the new head coach comes in."
Speculation is that there were some coaches new boss Lou Lamoriello didn't want as any part of the Islanders. It's also commonplace for incoming head coaches to ask management to clear the decks so they can start fresh and hire their own assistants.
It is believed that at least one other Islanders assistant has been informed he will not be retained. One member of the Islanders training/equipment staff was let go last month. In addition, coaching staff changes are being made at the AHL level in Bridgeport.
As both the Islanders and Sound Tigers were unmitigated disasters on the ice last season, the dismissals do not come as a surprise, and there will be more to come.