Jakub Skarek will play for the NY Islanders at some point this season

Heading into this season, the NY Islanders did not have much of a plan to utilize backup goaltender Jakub Skarek. 

In recent seasons Skarek had split time with Cory Schneider, and last year with Ken Appleby. With Appleby leaving the organization this offseason, it appeared as if Skarek would have the crease. But then Lou Lamoriello brought in Marcus Hogberg from Sweden who ultimately assumed the role of starter, putting Skarek into a backup role once again.

Skarek will play

Ilya Sorokin and Semyon Varlamov had been relatively healthy since joining the Islanders, but Hogberg was to serve as an insurance policy. After Varlamov went down with what was originally a day-to-day injury, Hogberg was recalled but also sustained an upper-body injury, leaving Skarek as the only viable option to be called up.

Drafted in the third round (72 overall) in 2018, Skarek quickly made the transition to North America from Czechia, joining Bridgeport for the 2019-20 season. 

Through parts of six seasons in Bridgeport, Skarek has yet to post a  SV% over .900 or a GAA under 3.00.

With those underwhelming numbers, Skarek may now be called into NHL action, and it appears as if Patrick Roy has every intention of using him.

“We’re all curious to see what he will do and how he will play because he will play,” said Roy. “When? We don’t know, but he will play.”

That time could come this weekend as the Islanders have back-to-back in Florida against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers. How long Skarek will be with the Islanders is to be determined, as he and Sorokin could be the team’s tandem for an extended period of time.