Semyon Varlamov Trade Update: Will the Islanders Trade Him at the Deadline?

The trade deadline is approaching and soon we will begin to see even more movement around the NHL. Semyon Varlamov is a name that gets brought up a ton, with Ilya Sorokin establishing himself as the Islanders number one goalie, but is it likely?

David Pagnotta and Dennis Bernstein chatted today about the likelihood of a trade in-season for Semyon Varlamov:

This is pretty much the exact conclusion Mitch and I came up with on the Eyes on Isles podcast this past week. There is only really one team that makes sense, and that's Edmonton. Not many players are willing to move their no trade clause to go there right now and while he would immediately become their starter is that really the best fit?

The Islanders are much better off waiting for the end of the season when the market will be more robust. Think about it, with at that point, one year left on his deal it is much more palatable for another team to take him on and give him a run for a year.

That also opens up the market for teams who would be out of it right now who wouldn't necessarily be looking to buy. Perhaps a Buffalo gets in the mix looking for a bridge goalie, or just about any team in that same point in the rebuild process. He's a good goalie to pair with a young guy who is up and coming but needs the veteran presence.

Currently, he has a .912 save percentage and a 2.85 goals against average to go with it but just last year he played to a .929 save percentage with seven shutouts in 35 starts. Someone will be interested, it just might have to wait until the NHL Draft rather than within the next week or so.