Islanders' Final Stretch: Roster Spots Up For Grabs As Team Faces Offseason Changes
It's tryout time.
Whether the New York Islanders qualify for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs or not, the final stretch serves as tryout time for the organization, especially after general manager Lou Lamoriello’s post trade-deadline words.
"There will be change this summer," Lamoriello said. "Until there's change, you can't say how much, but I can assure you there'll be change."
The players, by now, have undoubtedly heard that. That tells them that jobs aren't safe and that you must prove your worth if you want to be a member of this team next year.
One of the only players who proved their worth in the 4-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks was goaltender Marcus Hogberg.
The 30-year-old, who made his first starts since Jan. 25 after injuring a finger on his right hand, is fighting to prove to the organization that he should, no question, serve as Ilya Sorokin's backup next season.
After turning aside 24 of 27 in Sunday's loss, Hogberg now owns a 1.70 GAA with a .938 SV% in eight appearances this season.
It sounds like Sorokin's usual backup, Semyon Varlamov, will not be back this season, per Lamoriello.
"I think that Varlamov is going to be difficult for the rest of the season," Lamoriello said.
We'll see if Varlamov can resume his career, but the grizzled 36-year-old veteran is under contract for two more seasons at $2.75 million.
If Hogberg is in the first season of a two-year deal worth $775,000 and continues to be the brick wall he's been all season, then the Islanders can move on from Varlamov this summer, if he is healthy enough to continue.
The defense is a story to watch, for sure. Let’s dive in.