New York Islanders Rumors: Isles could lose prospect, Parise’s future in the air, need for youth
By Marci Rubin
The New York Islanders have made some key moves this summer in readying the organization for the next NHL season, but there are still some questions left unanswered.
After missing the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2022, the New York Islanders made the playoffs in 2023 but lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round. This offseason, the Islanders don’t feel like they need to make huge changes in order to make a playoff run next season. They’ve made some long-term signings, including a seven-year deal for defenseman Scott Mayfield and an eight-year deal for goaltender Ilya Sorokin.
As for the rest of the Islanders’ offseason, don’t expect too many surprises. Something that wouldn’t be terribly surprising at this point is if the Islanders lose prospect Jakub Skarek.
The Islanders have an aging roster, particularly their group of forwards, and the veteran-heavy team might need a little more youth to elevate them from last season’s first-round exit. At almost 39-years-old, Zach Parise isn’t the answer to that dilemma, but the Isles are wondering if the veteran winger is up for one last ride.
Here’s the latest on the New York Islanders.
New York Islanders Rumors: Prospect Jakub Skarek could walk
At 23-years-old, 2018 third-round draft pick Jakub Skarek has yet to see any NHL action. The young goalie has been blocked by veterans, and this isn’t likely to change with the Islanders anytime soon. Skarek has yet to accept his qualifying offer.
Elite goalie Ilya Sorokin just inked an eight-year contract extension. Semyon Varlamov was re-signed for four years. The Islanders also have promising prospect Tristan Lennox signed to a three-year entry-level contract. The Isles’ goalie situation seems pretty set for the near and far future.
As of now, Skarek’s only opportunity to see NHL time will be via an injury to one of the goalies. However, when Varlamov went down for several games last season, Cory Schneider was brought up to back up Sorokin. Schneider is heading to Europe, so Skarek would have the starting spot in the AHL should he stay. However, his lack of opportunity to play in the NHL with the Islanders could be keeping him from accepting his offer.
Kowalsky couldn't comment on which players were returning. When asked about the goaltending situation Jakub Skarek (RFA, still un-signed) and Cory Schneider (heading to Europe), he said everything will be addressed soon and move on from there. #Isles
— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) July 14, 2023
NHL teams always need goalie depth, so they should want to keep Skarek. For Skarek, though, the best opportunity to play in the NHL might not be with the Isles. At this point, the RFA might consider asking for a trade. He could also consider going overseas. Skarek has until 5:00 p.m. ET on July 15 to accept his offer unless the team extends it.