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Islanders trade rumors: Team receiving calls on Ilya Sorokin

By Michel Anderson

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MAY 22: Ilya Sorokin #31 of Russia comes out to the ice prior the game against USA at Ice Palace on May 22, 2016 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Anna Sergeeva/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MAY 22: Ilya Sorokin #31 of Russia comes out to the ice prior the game against USA at Ice Palace on May 22, 2016 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Anna Sergeeva/Getty Images) /
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As the New York Islanders search the league for some offense, it seems that they are in turn receiving calls on goalie prospect Ilya Sorokin.

A rumor popped up on Twitter this afternoon stating that the New York Islanders have received calls for Russian goalie prospect Ilya Sorokin from at least four Western Conference teams.

That doesn’t mean that Lou is considering trading the top KHL goalie, it simply means that other teams have been making inquiries.

And that makes sense. Sorokin is easily the best goalie not playing in the NHL. Other NHL teams will be intrigued to acquire his services. So what should the Islanders do with their goalie prospect? Obviously, it depends on what they’re getting in return.

Top End Talent

The Islanders are desperate to bring in top-end talent to the roster. They’re one of the worst teams in terms of offense in the entire league but have serious playoff aspirations. If they could get top-end talent for Sorokin then you trade him.

I know that might be a no-go for some, but the Islanders have other goalie prospects in the system. Jakub Skarek, who was a third-round pick in 2018, is already playing for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. In 13 games, he holds a 3.15GAA and 0.890SV%.

In the short-term, the Islanders can afford to lose Sorokin in the trade market if he can return what they are looking for at the top end of the roster.

It might take more than just Sorokin to get a trade done. No team is willing to part with a top-end player for a prospect who has yet to step foot in North America.

The Islanders have the pieces to get this done. Again, assuming the return is a top-end player. By that, I mean a point-per-game winger that can compliment Mathew Barzal.

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Let’s be clear, Lou isn’t looking to trade Ilya Sorokin (nor should he), but if the rumor is true and other GM’s are calling, it’s Lou’s job to take the call and listen. Regardless of how many pucks Sorokin has stopped in the KHL.

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