New York Rangers

The revamping of the New York Islanders' front office included the introduction Thursday of general manager Neil Smith and head coach Ted Nolan, both of whom are returning to the NHL after lengthy hiatuses.

They have been given the task of reversing the fortunes of a team that missed the playoffs this season after three straight trips that ended in first-round eliminations. Before that, New York failed to qualify for the postseason for seven consecutive years.

"I'm thrilled to be back home again where I started," said Smith, who was a scout for the Islanders in the early 1980s when they began their four-year run of Stanley Cup championships. He later went on to assemble the New York Rangers team that won the Cup in 1994.