Islanders: Earliest we might hear Ilya Sorokin deal is May 1

With the cancellation of the 2019-20 KHL season, when can we expect the New York Islanders to bring in Ilya Sorokin?

On Wednesday, we found out that the KHL had canceled the 2019-20 season. That means the New York Islanders can get to work on signing goalie prospect Ilya Sorokin for the 2020-21 season.

Prior to the KHL’s announcement Sorokin and his CSKA Moscow team were in the middle of a push for a second consecutive Gagarin cup. After finishing the regular season as the top team in the league, CSKA Moscow swept its first-round opponent 4-0 with Sorokin posting a 0.75GAA and 0.965SV%.

With the KHL playoffs now canceled, the Isles can work on getting Sorokin signed for next season. So when can we expect news of a contract?

May 1

Lou Lamoriello told us all that the Islanders expect Sorokin to be here next season during his Q&A with fans.

"Question from Dennis Anninos: What is the status of Ilya Sorokin and are there discussions to bring him to Long Island?Yes, we have every indication that he will be here for next season."

Sorokin’s contract with CSKA Moscow expires on April 30th, so we probably don’t hear any official details on a deal before May 1.

We already know that both the Isles and Sorokin have been in contact to discuss a contract. Last we heard, both sides needed to figure out A and B bonuses and a clause that would allow Sorokin to play in Europe if he isn’t in the NHL.

With the KHL playoffs canceled, the Isles and Sorokin can now hammer out the details of a deal to get him over next season.

What About This Year?

What about signing that ELC this year?

Unfortunately, for now, any new contract signed can only be for the 2020-21 season.

Maybe by May 1 that changes if the NHL season resumes. But based on Lou’s answer in the Q&A, the Isles don’t expect him to be here until next season.