New York Islanders KHL Issues Means Sorokin Arrival Imminent

The development of top goalie prospect Ilya Sorkin has made the New York Islanders organization ecstatic. However, there has always been a concern with Sorokin and other Russian players that they may choose to stay at home to play professional hockey. But recent major issues in the KHL means Sorokin’s arrival to the Islanders is imminent.

When the New York Islanders drafted Ilya Sorokin in the 3rd round of the 2014 Draft (78th overall) there wasn’t much fanfare. Since then it’s changed dramatically. Islander fans can’t wait for the athletic goalie to come join the team.

KHL Issues

The KHL is going through a real rough stretch and the players in the league have to be concerned for a variety of reasons. The KHL just contracted the league by one and they also announced there will be 6-month salary delays. In addition, the league will cut three more teams for the 2018-19 season.

New York Islanders

It doesn’t end there. Nearly one-quarter of the KHL teams are late with paying their players on a regular basis. The league is also going to lower the league salary cap and close loopholes for the big spending teams.

All of this adds up to reducing player salaries in the KHL.

Sorokin Long Island Bound

Over the last year or so the question has been asked by many NHL insiders; will Sorokin leave Russia anytime soon? It almost feels like this is a future episode of the FX series “The Americans”.

Sorokin has said his dream is to play in the NHL. He came over last July to Long Island and participated in the Islanders annual prospect camp. The Russian netminder wowed everyone in attendance.

Playing against men Sorokin’s performance the last two years has been ridiculously good. The numbers he has posted look like something a stud video game player would put up.

Two years ago, Sorokin went 17-7-4 with 1.06 goals against average and .953 save percentage. That performance earned him the goalie of the year award in the KHL.

Last year Sorokin went 25-7-6 with 1.61 goals against average and .929 save percentage. Another stellar season. Sorokin is signed for one more year to play in the KHL.

Next: Options on Halak

Both Sorokin and Linus Soderstrom, the Islanders second top goalie prospect, should be heading to North America after next season. The Isles future between the pipes is very exciting.