What Happened
New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov is set to start Tuesday against the New York Rangers, head coach Pete DeBoer told reporters. It would be Varlamov's first NHL game since Nov. 29, 2024, when he took a 5-4 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals. The 38-year-old missed all of last season after undergoing two partial knee replacements. He is expected to work as Ilya Sorokin's regular backup this season.
Key Details
- Start is Tuesday against the New York Rangers, per head coach Pete DeBoer.
- Last NHL appearance: Nov. 29, 2024, a 5-4 overtime loss to Washington.
- Missed all of last season following two partial knee replacements.
- Career: 621 games, .916 save percentage, 2.65 GAA over 17 seasons.
- 2024-25: 10 games, .889 save percentage, 2.89 GAA.
- Slated to back up Ilya Sorokin this season.
What It Means
Varlamov returns to an Islanders crease that has leaned on Ilya Sorokin, giving New York a veteran backup option after nearly two years without game action. His last full workload came in 2024-25, when his numbers dipped below his career marks, so the club will manage his usage carefully behind Sorokin.
What's Next
Varlamov's performance Tuesday will be his first test since returning, and the Islanders are expected to use him as Sorokin's backup going forward.