Chris Lamorello, the deputy general manager of the National Hockey League team the New York Islanders, emphasized that the club’s strength stems from stability and expressed satisfaction with the current goaltending duo. His remarks, relayed by the Islanders’ press service, highlighted how the organization’s foundation rests on steady leadership between the pipes as the franchise plots its course for the season ahead.
“We are fortunate that Sorokin and Varlamov chose to remain with us. They have both agreed to multi-year commitments and form a central pillar of our present performance and long-term ambitions. When a team begins with two such high-caliber netminders, the odds of competing effectively night after night rise dramatically,” Lamorello stated, underscoring the value of veteran reliability paired with young, explosive potential in goal.
Varlamov agreed to a four-year contract carrying a cap hit of $2.75 million, while Sorokin inked an eight-year deal with a cap hit of $8.25 million. These agreements reflect the organization’s commitment to sustaining elite goaltending as a core element of its competitive strategy, ensuring stability in net while the squad continues to evolve around them.
Sorokin has been a fixture for the Islanders since 2021, bringing experience from stints with CSKA, Metallurg, and Zvezda in Russia. Varlamov joined the Islanders in 2019, after career stops with the Colorado Avalanche and the Washington Capitals, and he previously defended Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in Russia. Their journeys through international play and the NHL have shaped a formidable tandem that the team believes can carry them to sustained success.
The leadership within the organization has repeatedly noted the impact of these two goalkeepers on the club’s trajectory, praising their consistency, work ethic, and ability to deliver under pressure. This tandem is viewed not only as a practical solution for the current season but as a strategic cornerstone for the Islanders’ future, reinforcing confidence among players, staff, and fans alike.