Trade rumors surrounding NY Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin are shot down by agent

The agent of New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin, Dan Milstein, has firmly dismissed recent trade rumors involving the team’s elite goaltender. On Thursday, Milstein confirmed on social media that Sorokin has never been involved in trade discussions and emphasized that the 29-year-old netminder holds a full no-trade clause in his contract.

"llya Sorokin has a full no-trade clause and has never been part of any trade discussions — not at any point. Surprised this needs correcting, but here we are. There’s a difference between reporting facts and creating buzz around yourself," he wrote.

Speculation had swirled during the 2025 NHL Draft that Sorokin’s name came up in preliminary talks, particularly around efforts by the Islanders to add a second first-round pick. Reports, attributed to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, suggested interest from several teams, including the Utah Hockey Club. However, Milstein was quick to shut down that narrative, reinforcing that no discussions reached Sorokin or his camp.

This clarification comes at a crucial time for the Islanders, who are retooling under new General Manager Mathieu Darche. Sorokin remains central to their plans and is seen as a foundational piece for both the present and future. Entering the second year of his eight-year, $66 million contract, Sorokin’s stability is vital to an Islanders team that has made it clear they are not entering a rebuild.

Despite a slight statistical dip in 2024–25, Sorokin is still considered one of the league’s top goaltenders. He started 61 games last season, posted a .907 save percentage, four shutouts, and maintained a 2.71 goals-against average. His presence and visibility are a key pillar of the Islanders’ competitive identity, especially with Semyon Varlamov's status uncertain, and the team signing backup goaltender David Rittich at the start of free agency.

So, for fans worried that Sorokin’s name might appear on the move, Milstein’s statement should offer relief. The Islanders’ franchise goalie is staying on Long Island —and not going anywhere. If he ever does, it will be because he signed off on it.