Breaking News…with credit going to Newsday for breaking it. Ted Nolan and the New York Islanders have mutually agreed to part ways due to a difference in philosophy.

What a shock. I’m really not all that surprised as there were a few rumblings that he might get replaced. You really have to wonder about the former Jack Adams winner now. After only two seasons on Long Island in which he guided an overachieving bunch to a postseason appearance in 2006-07, he’s once again gone.

The Islander organization led by GM Garth Snow wanted to go in a different direction emphasizing the growth of the team’s prospects. Nolan also had asked for an extension while still under contract but was denied by club owner Charles Wang.

“There were philosophical differences between Ted and myself. Since last season and continuing into the summer, I have realized we don’t share the same philosophies. I’d like to thank Ted for his two years with the team and wish him the best,” Snow told the AP Wire.

As for why a rift between the two took three months to decide invoking memories of Neil Smith’s brief tenure on the Meadowbrook, Snow had this to say:

“I understand there could be some criticism, and if there is, it can fall on me. What I can tell you is there was a process. I spoke with Ted regularly following the season and when the draft and free agency ended. Our strong belief about our philosophical differences led me to believe, and Ted as well, that we needed to part ways. I know this decision will be best for not only the team and our fans, but for Ted as well.”

At the moment, there’s no successor. Former coaches John Tortorella, Bob Hartley and Paul Maurice all figure to be on the list of possible replacements.

Nolan finishes his two seasons as Islanders coach with a respectable 75-68-21 record yet it still wasn’t enough to save his job proving again how fragile the coaching carousel can be.

Where the Islanders go from here is anybody’s guess.