It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. The New York Islanders made the Stanley Cup Playoffs with new coach Lane Lambert in charge. One of the main reasons was the outstanding goaltending of Ilya Sorokin. The Russian netminder became a finalist for the Vezina Trophy after a stellar season on Long Island. He’ll be up for a new contract at the end of the next season. Today’s NHL rumours looks at the next Ilya Sorokin contract for the Islanders goalie.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
A Look at the Next Ilya Sorokin Contract
Rumour: The Athletic’s Kevin Kurz looked into what the 27-year-old netminder’s next contract may look like. Sorokin can sign a new contract extension after July 1st. The Isles and general manager Lou Lamoriello would love to get a new deal done so he doesn’t hit the open market. Sorokin currently makes $4 million per season and will likely get a hefty raise.
Also, ICYMI it over the weekend, I spoke with Ilya Sorokin's agent about a potential new deal for the goalie, and compared it to some other major contracts for goalies over the last dozen years.https://t.co/YKmFRZY5CN
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) May 15, 2023
Lamoriello does have some big new contracts coming with raises for Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal going on the books. Sorokin will be a high-priority for the veteran general manager, but it could could with a hefty price tag. The Russian should be in line for at least over $7 million per season. Only six goalies have signed for at least seven seasons and for more than $7 million annually. However, Sorokin seems to be in line to join that category.
What the Next Ilya Sorokin Contract Could Be
Kurz did talk to Dan Milstein, who is Sorokin’s agent, about the possibility of a new contract. Milstein said his client would be open to inking an extension if the offer is right.
As someone wise once said, “goalies are voodoo.” However, Sorokin seems to be the long-term answer in goal for the Islanders. There’s a worry a big contract could become an albatross like Carey Price‘s, but it could work out. Andrei Vasilevskiy is making $9.5 million and the Tampa Bay Lightning got two Stanley Cups out of it. Barring disaster, Sorokin seems to carve out a nice career in Long Island.
Main photo by: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
