Laviolette Is Islander Pick

Peter Laviolette will be the New York Islanders’ next coach, a team source said Tuesday night.

Laviolette, an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins, will be introduced at a news conference today, said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Laviolette inherits a club that had the NHL’s worst record and missed the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. He will replace Lorne Henning, who has been interim coach since Butch Goring was fired March 4.

Laviolette, 36, did not immediately return calls to his home from the Associated Press.

Mike Milbury has let six coaches go, including himself twice, in the 5 1/2 years he has been the Islanders’ general manager. His job has been deemed safe for now by owner Charles Wang.

Laviolette, regarded as one of the league’s promising assistants, was passed over for the Bruins’ coaching job twice in the last year. His limited experience was believed to be a reason.

The Detroit Red Wings have told Larry Murphy, a key figure in their two recent Stanley Cup titles, that he won’t be re-signed, the veteran defenseman’s attorney said.

Murphy, 40, came to Detroit four years ago, and after 21 NHL seasons and 1,830 regular-season and playoff games, his career may end there.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed Coach Bill Barber and assistant coach E.J. McGuire to multiyear contracts.