Report: Top prospect Sorokin “trying to force a trade” from Islanders

Let’s be clear… no one “forces” Lou Lamoriello to do anything.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 4 years ago
Report: Top prospect Sorokin “trying to force a trade” from Islanders
Zuma Press

While he’s a name you may not hear much of when discussing the NHL’s next generation of goaltenders, New York Islanders prospect Ilya Sorokin will be a player to watch in the coming years. The 24 year old has yet to come over to North America after being selected by the Isles 78th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, but he has absolutely demolished the KHL for the past half decade.

Sorokin put up a RIDICULOUS .940 save percentage and 1.16 goals against average for CSKA Moscow last season and already has a 1.57 GAA and .934 save percentage this season. He’s arguably the best goalie in the world not currently in the NHL and he’s expected to suit up for the Isles next season after his contract with CSKA expires this April. Or… will he?

According to a report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Sorok has been “trying to force a trade” from the Islanders to a team where he may have a more clear path to a starting spot.

Check out this tidbit from Friedman’s most recent 31 Thoughts column for Sportsnet:

A couple of my Russian contacts reached out after last week’s note about Islanders goaltending prospect Ilya Sorokin — who is considering an extension in the KHL. They think he’s trying to force a trade from New York to someplace with a clearer path to start. There would be interest — he’s very talented. We’ll see where this goes.

No doubt that plenty of teams would be interested if and when Sorokin ends up on the trade block, but don’t forget that the Islanders’ GM is Lou Lamoriello. Lou hasn’t made a career for himself by being over backwards to meet player demands… I wouldn’t expect him to change his tune anytime soon.