The New York Islanders have committed to their franchise netminder long-term. Ilya Sorokin has a new contract, eight years at $8.25 million annual average. The extension begins to start the 2024-25 season.
Congratulations to Ilya Sorokin on signing 8 year contract extension with #Isles The New York Islanders #WeAreGoldStar! pic.twitter.com/xqBQQujIfB
— Dan Milstein-Hockey (@HockeyAgent1) July 1, 2023
Ilya Sorokin Stays On The Island
Sorokin’s Development
Sorokin has been a diamond in the rough since day one. He was selected 78th overall in the 2014 NHL entry draft by the Islanders. Sorokin spent six seasons playing in Russia’s top professional league. He appeared in 212 KHL games for Mettallurg Novokuznetsk and CSKA Moskva after being drafted.
Sorokin’s first 22 NHL starts came during the shortened 2020-21 season, where the NHL played a limited 56-game schedule. Furthermore, he posted a .918 Sv% and a 2.17 GAA.
How Ilya Sorokin Became Who He Is Today
There are many essential skills goalies must master to become elite at their position. Catching the puck with the glove and using the blocker are some rudimentary skills that come to mind.
For Sorokin, his best attributes aren’t the most obvious. Recovery and positioning make Sorokin the goalie he is today. Sorokin always remains square to the puck when facing shots. His best attribute, however, is his ability to recover after making the first save.
Sorokin has made a living off rebound saves. There are numerous highlights of Sorokin throwing his pad out in desperation or reaching with his stick to make a save. He’s stoned countless elite NHL snipers.
Iyla’s Insane Analytics
The analytics connect with the eyes of fans when it comes to Sorokin’s dominance in the crease. Sorokin has boasted some of the best-advanced statistics for goalies over the past two seasons.
In 2021-22, Sorokin became the Islanders’ full-time starter. In 52 games, Sorokin put up a .925 Sv% and a 2.40 GAA. Even better, Sorokin was at the top of the league in ‘goals saved above expected’ (GSAx).
Using GSAx allows us to contextualize goaltending performance based on the team in front of them, the workload, and the quality of shots faced.
Sorokin posted 21.85 GSAx in 2021-22, the best amongst all NHL goalies at 5v5. Moreover, he played even better in 2022-23. Sorokin stopped 34.26 GSAx, ranking first amongst all NHL goalies for the second straight season in a row. Moreover, he had a .924 Sv% and 2.34 GAA in 2022-23.
Why This Is A Great Contract
When team building, it’s optimal to abstain from goalies long-term. In this case, this is a bargain for New York. The team has its backbone in the crease signed for the next nine seasons. Sorokin is worth every penny of his new contract.
Main photo by: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
