sports
Islanders Sign Goalie to One-Year Deal as Backup Option
The team signed a goaltender to a one-year contract worth $1 million. The signing provides depth while another netminder recovers from knee surgeries.
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The Islanders signed a goaltender to a one-year contract worth $1 million. The move adds a backup option while another player recovers from knee surgeries. General manager Mathieu Darche said Saturday the team plans to have the recovering player back up Ilya Sorokin if healthy. Officials also signed the new goaltender to protect against further absences.
The new goaltender spent last season with another club, finishing with a 5-13-3 record. He posted a .883 save percentage and a 2.03 goals-against average during that stretch. The signing fills a role previously held by a different netminder who made 28 starts last season.
The recovering player has undergone two knee replacement surgeries. He last appeared in an NHL game in November 2024 and played two conditioning games with an AHL affiliate late last season. Darche said the player has been training without medication and skating at the Northwell Health Ice Center at least twice a week.
“We’re obviously going to sign other goalies, because we have to protect ourselves. Hopefully, he gives us the 25-30 starts we want from a backup.”
Darche added that the player feels great and remains under contract. If healthy, he is expected to serve as the backup next season.
The new contract provides immediate depth while recovery continues.
