There have been rumours swirling about New York Islanders star goaltending prospect Ilya Sorokin (even more than usual) and whether he’ll be coming to New York next season. Here’s what we know from reports in the last two weeks.

On Dec. 11, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that CSKA Moscow was trying to extend Sorokin. I mean, why wouldn’t they want to? He’s been an absolute star in the KHL.

Friedman also reported that he’s considering an extension in the KHL (there are conflicting reports on this). Some of Friedman’s contacts believe he wants to be traded somewhere he’ll have an easier path to be a starter. I found this odd. I think it’s likely been the Islanders' plan since signing Varlamov that the Greiss/Varlamov duo would only last for one season, then Sorokin/Varlamov would be around for the next three. I’d imagine that to start, maybe they split time similar to what Greiss and Varlamov are doing this year and Greiss and Lehner did last year.

But ultimately, I’d imagine the plan is for Sorokin to be the long-term starter. Especially if unconfirmed theories about the Islanders going with Varlamov over Lehner based on his connection to Sorokin are true, it seems like New York is willing to jump through hoops to accommodate for Sorokin. Why would he go elsewhere when he’ll get everything he needs in New York?

Sorokin joked that he learned about his “trade demand” when he read about it, according to Igor Eronko. Sorokin is also still likely to sign with Islanders, according to The Athletic’s Arthur Staple- and Eronko reported that Sorokin isn’t considering an extension in the KHL right now.

Ilya Sorokin doesn't even consider an extension with CSKA at the moment. The earliest he would look into the offered terms is March. They would be shocking but I don't think it makes him stay #isles

— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) December 13, 2019

I don’t foresee Sorokin sticking around the KHL or requesting a trade. He’s made his NHL intentions clear and if he’s coming over, it seems as though New York is a great fit.


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OTHER ISLANDERS ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER

Brock Nelson has been the Islanders' biggest surprise

Islanders should steer clear of deadline rentals

Beauvillier's development is key for Islanders

Piero Greco deserves credit for New York's success in net

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