As per New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy, goaltender Ilya Sorokin underwent offseason back surgery to deal with an injury sustained over the summer. Sorokin is not expected to miss time at the start of this season.

A few days ago, general manager Lou Lamoriello revealed that Sorokin suffered an injury while training this offseason/

During the 2023-24 campaign, Sorokin posted a 25-19-12 record with a 3.01 goals-against average a .909 save percentage, and two shutouts. His numbers in comparison to his career-best run during the 2022-23 campaign were a bit low, where Sorokin went 31-22-7 with a 2.34 goals-against average, a .924 SV% and posted six shutouts, he was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy.

This past spring, the 29-year-old had just one start during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which resulted in a loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of the Metropolitan Division Semifinals. The Canes would sweep the Isles, with Semyon Varlamov playing in three of the four contests.

Sorokin is entering the first year of an eight-year extension he signed on July 1, 2023. Under it, he will be paid $8.25 million through the 2031-32 season. This is an important step for Sorokin and the Islanders. Across four seasons in the NHL, Sorokin has made 192 appearances, posting a record of 95-65-30 with a 2.54 goals against average, a .919 SV% and 18 shutouts. In 14 Stanley Cup playoff games, he has posted a record of 6-6 with a 2.83 goals-against average and a .921 SV%.

The Islanders are expected to run a tandem of Sorokin and Varlamov again for the 2024-25 season and with that have the opportunity to get back into the postseason picture once again.

The NHL preseason gets kicked off on Sunday, Sep. 22, when the Islanders face off against the New Jersey Devils.