"Losing Semyon Varlamov just after Thanksgiving last season proved to be detrimental to the NY Islanders' playoff hopes. Missing half of their two-headed monster between the pipes, more pressure was put on the shoulders of Ilya Sorokin, who had a down season by his standards amid the team's difficulties on the penalty kill. Undergoing knee surgery, the assumption was that Varlamov would be ready to go for the start of the 2025-26 season."
"But with one of Mathieu Darche's first orders of business at the start of free agency being to sign a backup goaltender in David Rittich, flags were raised as to Varly's health heading into the season. While Varlamov was in attendance at media day before the start of training camp, today we learned he isn't quite ready to hit the ice with his teammates. When asked today if Varlamov would join the group soon, Patrick gave a quick, "No," not elaborating any further."
Semyon Varlamov's absence after Thanksgiving derailed the Islanders' playoff push and forced extra workload on Ilya Sorokin. Sorokin produced a subpar season while the team struggled on the penalty kill. Varlamov underwent knee surgery and was expected to be ready for the 2025-26 season. The signing of veteran backup David Rittich during free agency raised concerns about Varlamov's health. Varlamov attended media day but is not yet ready to practice with the team, and head coach Patrick replied "No" when asked if Varlamov would join the group soon. Rittich brings extensive NHL experience as a capable backup. At 37 years old with two years remaining on a four-year contract carrying a $2.75 million cap hit, Varlamov faces uncertainty about returning to form.
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