Bill Torrey, architect of Islanders ’80s dynasty, dead at 83

Bill Torrey, the legendary general manager of the Islanders who was the architect for the four straight Stanley Cups at the start of the 1980s along with the seemingly unbeatable record of 19 straight postseason series victories, died late Wednesday night at his home in Florida. He was 83.

Torrey took over as Islanders general manager in their inaugural season of 1972-73 and went on to serve as the franchise president (1980-89) and chairman of the board (1989-92). He stepped down in 1992 and moved on to the Panthers for their inaugural season of 1993-94, when he first served as president and then many other positions over the past 25 years.

“Bill set the model for how to build a franchise with the leadership he instilled through his coaching staff, his innovative drafting methods and the trades he executed,” current Islanders president and general manager Garth Snow said in a statement. “He was a pioneer, who became a mentor and even better friend, to so many in the industry.”

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also lamented the loss of his friend, commonly known as “Bowtie Bill” for his signature neckwear.

“From his iconic bow tie, retired by the Islanders organization, to his devilish sense of humor, he truly was one of a kind,” Bettman said. “On a personal level, Bill was a close and cherished friend and a great source of counsel. I will miss his wit, wisdom and warmth.”

Torrey was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995 under the “builder” category, and his bowtie hangs from the rafters of the Islanders current home at Barclays Center. He also has a banner with the number “93” at the Panthers home rink in Sunrise, Fla., signifying their inaugural season.

“An original Panther and the forefather of our franchise, Mr. Torrey had a champion’s spirit and lived for the game,” Panthers owner Vincent Viola said in a statement. “His indomitable energy and his commitment to hockey and to South Florida was inspiring. It was an honor to work with him and know him.”

Torrey was born on June 23, 1934, in the shadow of the old Montreal Forum. His career began in the AHL with the Pittsburgh Hornets, but he quickly moved on to the Oakland Seals when they made their expansion debut in the NHL in 1967. He left in 1971 and was primed to take over the expansion Islanders.

His shrewd stewardship started by taking future Hall of Fame goalie Billy Smith in the expansion draft. It continued into the entry draft, when more Hall of Famers were chosen in Denis Potvin, Bryan Trottier, Mike Bossy and Clark Gillies — later adding Pat LaFontaine after trading up to the No. 3 pick in 1983.

Torrey hired head coach Al Arbour at the start of the 1973-74 season, and by 1975, they had beaten the Rangers in the first round of the playoffs and made it all the way to the semifinal (the equivalent of the conference final). After four more losses in the postseason, Torrey likely made his best personnel move — and one of the best trades in NHL history — on March 10, 1980, when he sent popular veterans Billy Harris and Dave Lewis to the Kings in exchange for two-way center Butch Goring.

The Islanders went on to win the Stanley Cup that year, as well as the next three. The postseason winning streak continued until they lost to Wayne Gretzky’s Oilers in the 1984 Stanley Cup final, making it 19 straight series victories. In today’s salary-cap age, it’s almost impossible to imagine another team in any sport coming close to that record.

“We have no doubt that Bill’s passing also is being mourned by the countless executives, coaches and players whom he inspired, guided and personally developed,” Bettman said, “and the millions of fans who were thrilled by the teams he built.”

Torrey is survived by his four sons, William, Richard, Peter and Arthur; his brother, David; his sister, Jane; and his 10 grandchildren.