NY Islanders’ goaltending prospect Dmitry Gamzin signs a 2-year extension in Russia

The NY Islanders opted to address their depth issues at goaltender last summer by signing Marcus Hogberg from the SHL and selecting Dmitry Gamzin and Marcus Gidlöf in the 2024 NHL Draft. But they’ll have to wait a bit longer to see Gamzin in North America as the 21-year-old has signed a two-year extension with CSKA Moscow to stay in the KHL according to Hockey News Hub. 

Taken in the fourth round, 115th overall, Gamzin was the first of the two goaltenders taken by the Isles, selected in his final year of draft eligibility. 

Gamzin extends in Russia

The 6’3” netminder has bounced between the KHL and VHL (Russia’s version of the AHL) but put together a string of starts with the big club in February and March when former Arizona Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche Ivan Prosvetov went down with injury.

During his time in the starters' crease for CSKA, Gamzin has been phenomenal posting a 2.24 GAA and .928 SV% in 24 appearances. For his efforts, Gamzin was named to the KHL’s All-Rookie team for February. 

According to Hockey News Hub on X, Gamzin refused an extension with CSKA last month, but after his string of starts it appears he has opted to remain in Russia for the time being.

While it may seem like a loss for the Islanders to have one of their top goaltending prospects not join the organization, it is likely the best option for his development.

Ilya Sorokin is solidified as the Islanders' top netminder and has seven years remaining on his contract with an $8.25M AAV. Semyon Varlamov has two seasons remaining on his current deal, though he hasn’t been on the ice since his injury in late November. Hogberg, despite his limited minutes, has proven he is a more than capable backup in this league and has another year on his current deal paying him a minimal $775k next year.

Gamzin remaining in Russia will see him earn more ice time against some of the top talents in the world and will be 23 years old when his new deal expires, which is typically an age when goaltenders are ready to become contributors in the NHL.