LOS ANGELES — Even if the lottery balls numbered 7-11-12-13 had not fallen and the Islanders were going into Friday with the mid-first-round pick they were originally projected to have, this week would mark a critical test of Mathieu Darche as general manager.&nbsp;

That those numbers instead came up to deliver the Islanders a No. 1 overall pick that can help change the course of their franchise only amplifies the pressure.&nbsp;

It is one of Darche’s first decisions as general manager.&nbsp;

Whether he is here for 20 years or two years, there’s a good chance it will be his most important.&nbsp;

The No. 1 selection carries immense consequences, but it is at least a relatively straightforward decision. The same cannot be said for the other dilemmas facing Mathieu Darche this week.{ai:summary}<p>The Islanders received the No. 1 overall pick in the lottery, a significant opportunity for new general manager Mathieu Darche. This pivotal moment will likely define his tenure, regardless of its length, as he aims to reshape the franchise's future.</p><p>#sports</p>

Mathieu Darche’s Islanders job only gets harder after making the No. 1 pick

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