After the New York Islanders lost their director of goaltending development and scouting, Mitch Korn to the Nashville Predators. They could have gone out looking for one, but instead decided to promote internally. The promotion was given to their former AHL goalie coach Chris Terreri. He had held that position since 2018-19 and now will get a shot with the main club.
#Isles announce Sergei Naumovs has been hired as Bridgeport (AHL) Goalie Coach Chris Terreri, who has served in that role since 2018-19, will transition to Director of Goaltending Development and Scouting for Isles. Piero Greco will continue as Isles goalie coach.
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) May 30, 2024
Who is Chris Terreri?
For the last six years Terreri has been the goalie coach for the Islanders AHL affiliate team in Bridgeport. Before his coaching days he was a goalie in the NHL for 17 seasons. As a 5th round pick by the New Jersey Devils in 1983, he played most of his career there, winning two Stanley Cups with them in 1995 and 2000. He also had stints for the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks and played his last season for the New York Islanders. He held a 151-172 record, with a .892 save percentage and 3.07 goals against average for a career. After his playing career ended in 2001, Terreri spent 16 seasons as a member of the New Jersey Devils coaching staff. He served eight of those years as their goaltending coach.
What do these moves mean for the Islanders?
The Chris Terreri promotion means that the Islanders get to keep a familiar face in their facility. Familiarity is important and one of the things general manger Lou Lamoriello likes to have. While the promotion is good, the hire of Sergi Naumovs as the new AHL coach should not go overlooked. This is not a random hire, Naumovs served as Ilya Sorokin’s goalie coach during his final two seasons with the KHL’s CSKA Moscow and still works with Sorokin in the summer. In those two seasons Sorokin went 54-16-7 with a 1.30 GAA and a .938 SV%. While Naumovs expected to work heavily with the goalie prospects, this is still massive for Ilya. After Sorokin had his worst season last season and his massive eight-year deal worth $66 million ($8.25 M AAV), is kicking in next season a bounce back is necessary. Bringing in the coach that got the best out of him to help refine his game this offseason is a great start.
Main Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
