New York Islanders Ilya Sorokin path for rookie success

The New York Islanders will have a new goalie tandem for the 2020-21 season. Prized youngster Ilya Sorokin joins the Isles and there is a path for his rookie success.

The New York Islanders have been waiting and waiting and waiting for Ilya Sorokin. The Russian netminder was the Isles third-round pick back in 2014. The 25-year old goalie is now ready to tackle the NHL.

Even though Sorokin has put up ridiculous video game numbers in the KHL these last few years, the Isles just need him to be a strong 1A goalie for the upcoming season.

Thomas Greiss

was so solid and reliable for the Isles, especially since

Barry Trotz

came to town. That’s all the Isles need from Sorokin. They are not asking him to be a savior in the net.

Trotz System

Under Trotz, the Islanders play a defense-first system. How you play without the puck is critical under the Lou Lamoriello – Barry Trotz regime.

This system has been a goalie’s best friend. In the last two years, the production the Isles have received from Robin Lehner, Greiss, and Semyon Varlamov speaks for itself.

This will put Sorokin in an excellent position to begin his NHL career.

Coaching & Mentoring

Since Lou and Barry came to Long Island the Isles have had some of the best goalie coaching in the league. Trotz brought in Mitch Korn and Lou brought in Pierro Grego. Korn and Grego have done a lot for Lehner, Greiss, and Varlamov. Sorokin is in excellent hands with this tandem.

Finally, the relationship that Sorokin already has with Varlamov will be invaluable. They are both Russian and Varly has already been a mentor to Sorokin before he signed his Islander contract. Varlamov will be there for Sorokin in regards to the ups and downs that come with being an NHL goalie.

Sorokin has amazing talent, is a hard worker (was taking daily English lessons in the bubble) and because of that, his future is very bright. But these other factors will also help him by leaps and bounds.