With July 1 fast approaching, NHL free agency is close to opening. The New York Islanders will have a few major free agents to sign, but one of them is a longtime piece to their organization: goaltender Semyon Varlamov. Varlamov, 35, signed with the Islanders in the summer of 2019 to a four year, $20 million contract and was a key piece to several deep playoff runs. In four seasons, he posted a 59-51-14 record with a 2.54 goals against average and .917 save percentage, forming a strong tandem with Thomas Greiss and, more recently, Ilya Sorokin
However, Sorokin taken hold of the starter’s role for the team, meaning Varlamov’s future may be in doubt. With the Islanders needing to make a decision on their backup netminder, should the Islanders keep Varlamov in the fold?
Reasons to Keep Varlamov:
The key reason to keep Varlamov around is for continuity. The Islanders made the playoffs three times with him on the roster, and Varlamov has a knack for timely performances. This past season saw him defeat the Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights twice, shutout the Winnipeg Jets on the road, and help the Islanders hang in against the Colorado Avalanche in a comeback victory. In fact, in his second victory over the Knights, he stopped 45 shots en route to victory, meaning he can still steal you a game. Also, the Islanders over the past few years have found success playing goalies in tandem, meaning the Islanders can continue a philosophy that has helped them go deep. Obviously you can ride Sorokin with his strong run of form, but Varlamov can step up if Sorokin struggles.
Reasons Varlamov Could Leave:
The main reason for Varlamov to leave might be a difference in vision. Varlamov may have a lust to be a starter again, and the Islanders can’t provide that opportunity. However, the Islanders and Varlamov might not be an ideal match for a few reasons. For one, Varlamov just turned 35 and is the second oldest goalie on the UFA market. While his numbers have held steady throughout his contract, his play could decline at any point, a risk the Islanders may not want to take. Notable goalies on the market include Joonas Korpisalo, Laurent Brossoit, and Tristan Jarry, all of whom are age 30 or younger. Additionally, goalie officials Piero Greco and Mitch Korn have successfully groomed all three of Greiss, Varlamov, and Sorokin to solid form, meaning they could continue their success on new goaltenders as well.
As a result, Semyon Varlamov is not a bad piece to have on the roster. He’s been a part of some key moments for the franchise over the past four years, but age and the Islanders’ current situation makes it a difficult situation. Unless he’s willing to play a reduced role or take a pay cut, it’s possible may be headed elsewhere for the 2023-24 season and beyond.
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