Semyon Varlamov's status remains uncertain on the eve of training camp

When Semyon Varlamov went down with an injury in late November, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season, the NY Islanders were missing part of their two-headed monster in the crease, obliging Ilya Sorokin to take on the lion's share of starts.

With training camp beginning tomorrow and Varlamov undergoing knee surgery in December, Head Coach Patrick Roy and the Islanders are still uncertain of their netminder's status heading into camp.

Varlamov's health is still a question mark

“That, I cannot tell,” Roy said. “You’re going to have to talk with Mathieu (Darche) about that question. Because he’s the one who really talks with the trainers - and see how it goes. But all I’m going to say - he’s been skating, but I cannot say more than that.”

With Varlamov’s status uncertain, one of Mathieu Darche’s first orders of business on day one of free agency was bringing in David Rittich as an insurance policy, signing him to a one-year, $1M contract. 

The 33-year-old Czech has been a career backup in the NHL with a 2.79 GAA and .904 SV% over eight seasons.

The acquisition of Rittich allows Varly to take all the time necessary to ensure he is completely healthy.

Marcus Hogberg was brought in last season to serve as the Isles’ third goaltender and stepped into Varlamov’s position after his injury. While he was serviceable, Rittich is a step up.

The Isles will need a healthy Varlamov if they hope to take a swing at making the playoffs this season. At 37 years old, he is still perhaps the league's top backup netminder and is capable of stepping in and taking over if Sorokin struggles or has an injury of his own.