Devils’ Rival Reveals Good News/Bad News on Franchise Goalie

Last week, it was revealed in a report that the New York Islanders might have a situation on their hands with franchise goaltender, Ilya Sorokin. The report didn’t offer much other than Sorokin could be “dealing with something,” but not much more than that was said. On Friday, the New Jersey Devils’ division rival revealed a little more information regarding the Russian netminder.

Ahead of another day at the Islanders rookie training camp, general manager Lou Lamoriello spoke with the media and explained a number of things to look out for when veterans report to camp on Sept. 18th. One of those talking points was Sorokin, who Elliotte Friedman revealed might be injured.

When Sorokin wasn’t in attendance at an informal Islanders skate on Thursday, suspicions were further raised.

Lamoriello confirmed Friedman’s speculation, but downplayed it being anything serious.

“Ilya Sorokin had a little injury during summer training (upper body),” Lamoriello explained to Islanders media. “He is skating. We are not worried it will extend into the season.”

Reading between the lines, the bad news sounds like Sorokin could miss reps in training camp. The good news for Islander fans is that he shouldn’t miss any games when it counts.

The initial report was certainly a shock to hear of the Devils’ division rival as there was no indication Sorokin had been dealing with an injury in the first place.

However, it sounds like when the Islanders open the season on Sept. 10th against the Utah Hockey Club, Sorokin could tend the twine on Long Island.

If not, then the Islanders are fortunate enough to also roster veteran Semyon Varlamov — who took the bulk of the starts when head coach Patrick Roy took over for former Isles head coach Lane Lambert.

The Devils take on the Islanders for the first time in the regular season on Sept. 25th at UBS Arena. If Lamoriello’s assessment of Sorokin’s timeline is correct, there’s a good chance the Devils face Sorokin in net if he assumes 1A duties in the Isles crease.

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