3 reasons why Ilya Sorokin's long-term contract with the NY Islanders was a mistake

The eight-year contract extension the New York Islanders gave Ilya Sorokin was a mistake.

That doesn't mean Sorokin is the main reason for the team's struggles or isn't a high-end starter. It means his play has not been commensurate with his salary or contract and likely won't be.

This isn't about Sorokin, alone. It's about the player, the team, the position and the contract.

At age 29, with seven years remaining on his contract, there are legitimate concerns over whether he can regain the level of play that earned him elite status two seasons ago and whether the contract will ever be considered favorable. That's not piling on the player; it's reality.

Sorokin will undoubtedly have more moments of brilliance in his career, but based on what we've seen over the last 1.5 years and the current direction of the franchise, can anyone honestly say the extension wasn't a mistake? Outside of winning a Stanley Cup, it will be hard for Sorokin's contract to be considered worth it. Many don't see that as controversial or debatable.

Here are 3 reasons why the Islanders should regret giving Sorokin an eight-year, $66M contract extension on July 1, 2023.