Ilya Sorokin had the worst season of his career in 2023-24 for the NY Islanders

Before the 2023-24 season, the NY Islanders signed Ilya Sorokin to an eight-year contract extension that indicated good times ahead for the franchise. Sorokin, a year away from unrestricted free agency, signed a maximum-term deal worth $8.25 million per season, and was supposed to be the cornerstone of the franchise.

But before that contract has even kicked in, there is already consternation in Isles land about this deal, owing to Sorokin's subpar play this season. According to Arthur Staple at the Athletic, Sorokin saved almost 10 goals above expectation from the beginning of the season through the end of January. However, from February through the end of the regular season, he saved less than a goal above expectation.

*Read our previously Published player report cards: Sebastian Aho | Mat Barzal | Samuel Bolduc | Casey Cizikas | Cal Clutterbuck | Noah Dobson | Pierre Engvall | Hudson Fasching | Simon Holmstrom | Bo Horvat | Anders Lee | Kyle MacLean | Matt Martin | Scott Mayfield | Brock Nelson | JG Pageau | Kyle Palmieri | Adam Pelech | Ryan Pulock | Mike Reilly | Alexander Romanov

NY Islnders 2023-24 Report Card: Ilya Sorokin

Sorokin's .908 save percentage for the season was considerably lower than it has ever been in a season during his NHL career. But it is clear that the Isles overworked Sorokin in the first half, as the team defense was so porous that Sorokin was facing so many shots. Clearly, Sorokin tired out, and was not the same goaltender the rest of the season.

The postseason was a nightmare for Sorokin, who had lost his starting job a few weeks earlier. Semyon Varlamov was playing great for the Islanders, but the team really needed a boost heading into Game 3. In a 2-0 hold to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Isles turned to Sorokin, and he had to be pulled from the game in the second period. When the Isles needed their cornerstone to save them, he wilted and provided the final nail in the coffin.

Moving forward, Sorokin's eight-year contract is just about to begin, so the Isles and Sorokin are married together for the short, medium, and long term. The Islanders have bet everything on Sorokin, and without a rebound, the team is doomed. Fortunately, goaltending is often inconsistent from year to year. It is not uncommon for star goalies to have a bad year thrown into their careers.

Sorokin turns 29 years old in August, so he is still young enough that prime performance can be expected by the Islanders. With his preferred backup signed for three more years, the Isles can hardly have made the situation more comfortable for Sorokin. Now it is his turn to pay back that faith and perform up to the level of the contract he signed last summer.

Final Grade: C