Semyon Varlamov is aiming for a full return to the New York Islanders next season, expressing optimism about his recovery from significant knee issues that have sidelined him for most of the past two seasons. General Manager Mathieu Darche stated that Varlamov has been on the ice and feels better than he has in years.
"As of today, actually, ‘Varly’s’ been on the ice. He told me he felt the best the last four, five years with his knees," Darche said Saturday. "We’re excited the way he played in the AHL. Right now, if he’s healthy we plan on him."
Varlamov, 38, last played for the Islanders on November 29, 2024. He underwent two knee replacement surgeries and returned to professional hockey with two games for the team's AHL affiliate in Bridgeport after more than 500 days away. Darche indicated that if Varlamov remains healthy, he is expected to serve as Ilya Sorokin’s backup, potentially handling 25-30 starts.
To ensure depth, the Islanders will also bring in other goaltenders. Unrestricted free agent David Rittich, last season's backup, is one possibility. "We’re obviously going to sign other goalies, because we have to protect ourselves," Darche added. "Hopefully, he gives us the 25-30 starts we want from a backup. He would be an awesome addition, if that works out. He’s under contract, he feels great. If he’s healthy, he’s going to be our backup next year."
In addition to the goaltending situation, the Islanders focused on strengthening their defense during the NHL draft. The team is not planning to extend a qualifying offer to restricted free agent defenseman Adam Boqvist, aiming to give prospect Isaiah George an opportunity at the NHL level, potentially in a top-six role.
Darche emphasized the team's ongoing need for quality defensemen. The Islanders used their first-round pick, 13th overall, on defenseman Malte Gustafsson. They continued to select defensemen in the subsequent rounds, choosing American Lincoln Kuehne in the fourth round and Czech Vladimir Dravecky in the fifth. Both Kuehne and Dravecky are right-handed defensemen, addressing a noted weakness in the team's prospect pool on the right side.
The Islanders concluded the draft by selecting Russian center Artyom Matyuk in the sixth round and American right wing Robert Cowan in the seventh. The success of this draft class may largely depend on the development of Gustafsson, a 6-foot-4, 203-pound defenseman who is expected to return to play for HV71 in Sweden's top professional league next season.