An update on the status of NY Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin

Last week, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman caused panic across Islanders nation. Friedman mentioned that NY Islanders goaltender Ilya Srokin may be "battling something," but didn't divulge any other information. After a week of uncertainty about whether the Isles franchise goaltender was battling an injury or off-ice issues, GM Lou Lamoriello finally cleared the air today.

"Ilya Sorokin had a little injury during summer training (upper body)," said Lamoriello. "He is skating. We are not worried it will extend into the season."

Lamoriello continued, saying that Sorokin may miss the first couple days of training camp, but he'd leave that training staff to decide on what is best.

Sorokin is entering the first year of an 8-year, $8.25M AAV contract, coming off the worst season of his NHL career. The former Vezina Trophy finalist finished the season with a 3.01 GAA and .909 SV%. Though these numbers may be average regarding NHL standards, they're well below Sorokin's outstanding capabilities.

After the image of Sorokin sitting in the tunnel with his head down following being pulled from Game 3 of the first round against the Carolina Hurricanes, Sorokin was ready to return to the ice to prepare for the next season immediately after the Islanders were eliminated.

When Keith Kinkaid's name appeared on the roster sheet for day one of rookie camp, many wondered if Sorokin may be missing from the lineup long term, and Lamoriello was bringing in a veteran presence as a backup plan - but it appears no plan will be needed.

It seems as if Sorokin and Semyon Varlamov will begin the season as the Islanders top two goalies. Hopefully, we'll see the Isles' star netminder return to his superstar potential.