NY Islanders: How Did Lou Do? Grades for Each Signing

Ilya Sorokin

8 Years, $8.25M AAV

It was always assumed there was mutual interest between Sorokin and the Islanders to lock up the franchise's cornerstone netminder to a long-term extension - but the news of a deal being struck when it did was a shock to most.

Sorokin faced a difficult first day on the job with the Islanders, allowing five goals to the NY Rangers after being thrown into the fire as Varlamov was injured in warmups - but it's been smooth sailing for the Russian netminder ever since.

Over the course of his three seasons with the Islanders, Sorokin has appeared in 136 games, posting a 2.34 GAA and .924SV%. Perhaps his most impressive stat has been his 16 shutouts. Recording a shutout in 12.4% of starts sits atop the record books as the highest in the history of the NHL since the start of the league's modern era (1943-44).

When his contract kicks in at the start of the 2024-25 season, Sorokin will be the fourth highest-paid goaltender in the NHL (as things currently stand) behind Carey Price ($10.5M AAV), Sergei Bobrovsky ($10M AAV), and Andrei Vasilevskiy ($9.5M AAV).

The contract will take Sorokin to the waning days of his career, as he'll be 36 at its conclusion. A max term deal was always assumed - the fact that Lamoriello kept the dollars under $9M a season as the salary cap is expected to rise next season, the deal will begin to look more team-friendly for an elite-level goaltender.

Grade: A

Semyon Varlamov

4 years, $2.75M

As reported during the first hour of free agency by ESPN's Kevin Weekes, a deal was in place for Varlamov, but the details of the contract weren't yet known. Announced a few hours later that the new agreement was for four seasons came as a shock to everyone as it was believed two years was the likely length of a new contract.

Though four years is longer than expected, there can be no arguments about Varlamov's importance to this team and Sorokin. The two have a special relationship that goes beyond the ice, as Varly has been critical to Sorokin's development into one of the league's top backstops.

"He's Ilya's biggest fan when Ilya's in the net, and Ilya's Varly's biggest fan when he's in net," former Islanders Head Coach and current Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz said in 2021. "They go everywhere together. You see them go for walks - they truly are friends. When they are in the net, they cheer for each other, which is a great attribute to have."

Bruce Garrioch of TSN has reported that the Ottawa Senators showed interest in Varlamov, which could have involved the starter's role. While it's unknown what kind of deal Ottawa was offering, it may have forced Lamoriello's hand, offering a longer term to ensure Varly's return to Long Island.

Varly will be 39 at the end of his deal but won't be facing the rigors of a starting goalie every night. He'll be tasked with playing 30-35 games a season as one of the league's top backups.

Grade: C+

Scott Mayfield

7 Years, $3.5M

Spending his entire career with the Islanders on team-friendly contracts, it was time for Mayfield to chase a paycheck as there was the potential of him earning around $5M a season by relocating from the only home his known during his professional career.

Mayfield never wanted to leave the Islanders, as he and his wife have become comfortable building a life together on Long Island.

"My mind is still the same as what it's been. I love it here, my wife loves it here," said Mayfield while discussing the potential of free agency. "We have our house, not too far from the rink, it's a great setup. My mindset is the same. This is where I want to be and we'll see what happens."

Mayfield stayed true to his word, agreeing to remain with the Islanders for seven more seasons, earning $3.5M annually. The term is lengthy, but the price tag is lower than he may have received on the open market. As mentioned earlier, the salary cap is expected to rise once again in a year, making it easy to bury Mayfield's contract or buy him out if his play deteriorates towards the back end of the deal.

Grade: B-

Pierre Engvall

7 Years, $3M AAV

As the rest of the league seemed to be handing out one and two-year deals, the 80-year-old Lamoriello was the leagues only GM handing out long-term contracts - Engvall being the recipient of one.

Acquired a few days before the 2023 trade deadline, the former Toronto Maple Leaf was brought in to add an element of speed to the lineup that had been missing since the departure of Anthony Beauviller.

Engvall's impact was almost immediate as he built chemistry with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri on what would become the Islanders' top line down the final stretch of the regular season. In 18 games in blue and orange, Engvall totaled five goals and four assists while posting a +7 rating.

While the term is extended, Engvall is just 27 years old, and $3M per season is fairly reasonable. Engvall will likely return to the same line he finished with last season, hoping to expand upon their body of work together last season.

Grade: B