New York Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov and forward Mat Barzal both expect to be ready for the start of next season, per Ethan Sears of the New York Post.
Varlamov has been out since November with an injury that required season-ending surgery. The 36-year-old appeared in only 10 games on the season, finishing with a 3-3-4 record and an undesirable .889 save percentage. Speaking to reporters, Varlamov noted the injury is something that he’s been dealing with for quite some time. He added that he is looking forward to returning to action next season.
If healthy, Varlamov should provide the Isles with a solid backup option behind star Ilya Sorokin. Marcus Högberg ended up appearing in 15 games this year, but didn’t make the most of his opportunity, finishing with a 2-6-3 record to pair with a .878 save percentage. Varlamov has two years remaining on his contract, paying a $2.75MM AAV. Despite a rough 2024-25 season, he’s just one year removed from providing New York with a .918 save percentage and 2.67 goals against average. If he can rediscover that type of play, the combination of him and Sorokin should help the club’s efforts to return to the playoffs.
Barzal, who suffered an injury to his knee back in early February, also expects to be 100 percent for next season. In fact, had the Isles made the playoffs, there’s a chance Barzal could have played. In 30 games on the year, he posted six goals and 20 points. The three-time All-Star is coming off of an 80-point season and has produced 190 points in the three seasons prior to this year. The 27-year-old still has six years remaining on his $9.125MM AAV deal.
That Barzal contract was an overpay and is going to hurt the team for years to come.
Thank Grandpa Lou for that. He’s always been terrible at negotiating contracts. Just look at the contract he handed to Kovalchuk when he was the Devil’s GM. Who gives a player a 15 year contract. But I also blame ownership for the Islanders situation because they signed off on all these stupid contracts. Lou thinks he’s still managing in the 1990’s with the Devil’s. He’s totally clueless in today’s NHL. But he’s not the only one. Most of these GM’s spend like drunken sailors when Free Agency starts in July. Instead of expanding the NHL, they should be reducing the amount of teams because the talent in this league is so watered down. Too many minor leaguers playing at the major league level. Sorry for getting off topic. But being an NHL fan for over sixty years I’m disgusted with today’s game.