It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

In this episode, Joe and Chris dive into an honest and nuanced discussion about the Islanders’ move to acquire Brayden Schenn, unpacking why the trade is far more complicated than a simple “win or lose” transaction. The two examine the deal from several angles, including the perspective of the new Islanders GM, Mathieu Darche, the players in the room, and the fan base trying to make sense of the cost and timing. Joe and Chris walk through the reasoning behind the move, the price paid to land an aging middle-six center, and why opinions around the Islanders community remain divided.

At the center of the conversation is Darche’s decision-making. As Joe and Chris explain, the easiest path would have been to stand pat when the asking price climbed too high. Instead, Darche chose conviction. The trade reflects a calculated decision to reward the current roster and show belief in the group already competing for the Islanders.

Rather than risk looking back with regret about not doing enough, Darche acted boldly and aggressively, making a move that signals intent. The episode explores whether that kind of conviction is exactly what Islanders fans have been hoping to see from the front office—and what it could mean for the team moving forward.

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

On this episode, Chris and Joe discuss how the magic and joy of this season have created an unexpected feel around the franchise and put the Islanders and GM Mathieu Darche in the position to be aggressive at the trade deadline, with the Islanders linked to multiple targets before Friday’s trade deadline.

Isles Fix Podcast Network

Chris and Joe discuss the buzz around Vancouver’s Connor Garland, Jordan Kyrou, and some other names, while assessing the type of deal and price that it would cost to add to a roster that could make some noise this post-season. Plus, we talk about the Islanders’ soaring attendance (is it all due to Matthew Schaefer?) and take questions from our followers.

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

On this episode, Chris and Joe dig into the Islanders’ latest trades and ask the big question: Did Mathieu Darche make the most of the market right now, and is there still another bold swing left to take? From roster construction to timing, they break down what worked, what didn’t, and what might still be coming.

They also talk about Patrick Roy coaching with real conviction—and why they firmly believe he’s a meaningful part of the Islanders’ future. Meanwhile, Matthew Schaefer keeps leaving them speechless with his off-ice performance and endlessly entertained by his media savvy, gleefully leaning into the Islanders–Rangers rivalry with subtle, knowing jabs after a season sweep of the Blueshirts.

To wrap it up, Chris and Joe zoom out to the bigger hockey picture with a conversation about Netflix’s Miracle: The Boys of ’80—and what that team, that moment, and that belief have meant to generations of hockey fans. A packed episode full of analysis, perspective, and a little rivalry-fueled fun.

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

In this episode, Chris and Joe dig into the most revealing comments yet from Islanders president of business operations Kelly Cheeseman, following his recent interview with Newsday.

Just weeks into the job, Cheeseman, who categorized himself as “a builder,” has already identified the core challenge facing the franchise off the ice: how to grow a fanbase that is aging, overly concentrated on Long Island, and increasingly sensitive to the full game-day cost of attending games at UBS Arena.

The conversation goes beyond the usual “just win more” debate. Chris and Joe explore whether success on the ice is enough on its own, or if the Islanders are finally taking calculated risks to expand their visibility across Queens, Brooklyn, and younger demographics. From parking headaches and transportation access to ticket pricing and perceived value, they break down the real barriers preventing casual fans from becoming regulars — and what Cheeseman can realistically change in the short and long term.

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

We’re back with our first episode during the 2025-26 season, which was our first opportunity to verbally marvel at what Matthew Schaefer has done on and off the ice for the team and the franchise. Chris and Joe discuss what’s impressed them the most about his media persona. Later, the importance of Ilya Sorokin, the Islanders’ balanced scoring attack led by Bo Horvat’s hot stick, and the initial impact of Mathieu Darche’s summer acquisitions.

Later, Chris shares his perspective on Mathew Barzal being disciplined for missing the team bus (and yes, it has happened to other Islanders before, but maybe not so publicly) and what Kelly Cheeseman means for the business of the Islanders as their President of Business Operations.

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). Chris and Joe are back to set the stage for the upcoming 2025-26 season following a successful Islanders’ summer that saw the team undergo a rapid culture reboot with Mathieu Darche as GM. There’s a new behind-the-scenes docuseries, alternate game broadcasts, player access to new media, and more to come.

They discuss how wins and losses may not define this season, but rather player development and building towards something better and more sustainable under Darche’s hybrid approach, which strategically retools the team while keeping all options on the table moving forward.

Plus, we talk about Pat LaFontaine finally getting the nod to be inducted into the Islanders Hall of Fame, the broadcast about-face that has Alan Fuehring behind the mic, and a whole lot more.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

Chris and Joe are back to set the stage for what is set to be a seminal moment in the history of the New York Islanders. The consensus is that the Isles will select defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the consensus pick, with the top pick. That should and will be enough to make it a night of celebration for the franchise, but the weeks-long buzz about what else the Islanders may do to trade back into the 1st round or make a roster-shaking move looms as well.

There will be nothing to be disappointed about if the Islanders “only” take Schaefer and then enjoy the Draft Party at UBS Arena, but the fans have been primed for something else. Whether that happens tomorrow or in the days that follow will quickly fill the void of no longer having the anticipation of pick No.1. Plus, we talk about the evaluation phase of Mathieu Darche’s first few weeks on the job and the tricky contract negotiation he faces with Noah Dobson that may lead to a homegrown defenseman being on the move. Also, lessons from past drafts, and Chris shares memories of the days that led up to Mike Milbury’s big gamble 25 years ago in drafting Rick DiPietro.

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Mathieu Darche made a good one on fans Thursday morning as John Collins formally introduced him as the team’s new GM and Executive VP in a rare pomp and circumstance event for the organization.

Chris and Joe discuss Darche's definitive answers in his media debut, including the biggest one: Patrick Roy will return, but this time, he will be able to choose his own staff. There are also big changes coming to Bridgeport, with a renewed emphasis on a winning environment for the team’s AHL affiliate. We discuss Chris Lamoriello’s still undecided future, Darche’s view on having the 1st pick in the draft, and the extent of the changes we should see this summer.