Islanders Ilya Sorokin Signs New Contract Not Extension

New York Islanders goaltending hopes for the future rested in the hands of two promising prospects. That keep signing extensions with their clubs. And now news emerged from Russia that Sorokin might have resigned.

Let’s get one thing clear, New York Islanders prospect Ilya Sorokin did not sign a contract extension (link in Russian, make sure to translate) with his KHL club, CKSA Moscow.

Rather he renegotiated financial terms on a deal that was already scheduled to expire at the end of 2018. So don’t worry about Sorokin just yet. There’s still potential that he comes to North America once that contract has expired.

Why Were We Worried?

The New York Islanders goaltending situation is fine for now. In the immediate, they have both Thomas Greiss and Jaroslav Halak to play out starting duties or share the starts.

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Both are perfectly capable NHL goaltenders. For Jaro though, there can’t by any stretch be a third goalie in the mix. We’ve seen what that can do to the Slovak goalie this season with a stint in Bridgeport after a terrible first half of the season.

But in terms of the future, the picture looks a little bleaker. Both Halak and Greiss are 31-years-old. They are by no means too old to play. These aren’t spry young kids at the start of their careers. These are NHL veterans.

If anything Greiss might have a number of years left after being a backup for a majority of his career. But he still won’t be around forever. Having Sorokin extend his contract would put that plan in jeopardy.

Sorokin represents that next line of goaltenders for the Isles. Having Sorokin extend his contract with CSKA would put that plan in jeopardy.

The Future in the Crease

The Isles have three years from when they drafted him to sign him, or else he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The Isles still have the potential that Linus Soderstrom comes over and is lights out. But with goaltending you want options to hedge your bets. Soderstrom is doing well in Sweden, even winning a championship, but how that translates to the NHL remains to be seen.

Next: Isles Players Having a Good Time At IIHF Tourney

So don’t worry, Ilya Sorokin didn’t extend his deal with CSKA. He just wants more money for the work he’s put in for the club. I’m still not sure if Sorokin asking and receiving more money is a good thing in the long run.