Nolan, Islanders part ways

Ted Nolan’s return to NHL coaching ended after only two years Monday when he split with the New York Islanders over “philosophical differences” with general manager Garth Snow.

Although there had been a growing rift throughout last season between Nolan and Snow, the somewhat surprising midsummer move was made after a morning meeting at Nassau Coliseum before the opening of a rookie training camp.

“The process for me was something that took a lot of time to come to terms with,” Snow told the Associated Press. “We all know we probably weren’t all on the same page in certain areas.

“It wasn’t going to work if two people aren’t on the same page. That’s why the meeting was healthy because we both realized that there were differences in philosophy.”

After getting the Islanders into the playoffs in 2007, Nolan guided the club to a 35-38-9 finish last season. He finished his New York tenure with a 74-68-21 mark.

“He did some good things for us,” Snow said. “He’s a good person. That first year we snuck into the playoffs … this year, obviously, was a sub-par season.”

Snow said he had a list of coaching candidates in mind but didn’t plan to make his first phone call until Monday afternoon.

Gerard Gallant, an Islanders assistant, has been an NHL head coach with Columbus and might be considered. Fellow assistants John Chabot and Dan Lacroix are expected to return, Snow said.

Around the league

The Tampa Bay Lightning signed goalie Mike Smith to a $4.4 million, two-year contract extension. Smith was acquired from the Dallas Stars in February. The incumbent starter played in 13 games with the Lightning last season. … The St. Louis Blues signed free agent forward Matt Foy and re-signed center Jay McClement. McClement had nine goals and 13 assists in 81 games last season for St. Louis. Foy had four goals and four assists in 28 games last season with the Minnesota Wild. … The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired forward Ryan Hollweg from the New York Rangers for a 2009 fifth-round draft pick.