According to New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy, 29-year-old had surgery during the offseason to address an injury he incurred over the summer. However, he was anticipated to be available for the beginning of this season.
Recently, general manager Lou Lamoriello disclosed that he injured himself while training during the offseason.
During the 2023-24 season, he recorded a 25-19-12 record, with a 3.01 goals-against average, a .909 save percentage, and two shutouts. These figures were lower compared to his career-best performance in the 2022-23 season, where he achieved a 31-22-7 record, a 2.34 goals-against average, a .924 save percentage, and six shutouts. That season earned him a spot as a finalist for the Vezina Trophy.
In the recent playoffs, the 29-year-old Sorokin made only one start, which ended in a loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of the Metropolitan Division Semifinals. The Islanders were swept by the Hurricanes, with Semyon Varlamov taking part in three of the four games.
Sorokin is starting the first year of an eight-year extension signed on July 1, 2023, which will pay him $8.25 million annually through the 2031-32 season. This contract marks a significant milestone for both Sorokin and the Islanders. Over his four NHL seasons, Sorokin has appeared in 192 games, with a 95-65-30 record, a 2.54 goals-against average, a .919 save percentage, and 18 shutouts. In 14 playoff games, he has a 6-6 record, a 2.83 goals-against average, and a .921 save percentage.
The Islanders plan to continue using Sorokin and Varlamov as a goaltending tandem for the 2024-25 season, aiming to make a return to the playoffs.
The NHL preseason will begin on Sunday, September 22, with the Islanders facing the New Jersey Devils.
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