Semyon Varlamov Signs With The New York Islanders, Becomes Their Starting Goaltender

By Jordan Long

NHL Free agency started yesterday.  The New York Islanders were looking for a starting goaltender.  Robin Lehner who went 25-13-5 for the Islanders last season decided to head to the “Windy City” and join the Chicago Blackhawks.  The Islanders signed Semyon Varlamov to a 4-year, $20 million contract to replace Lehner.

                Varlamov was with the Colorado Avalanche the previous 8 years.  In Colorado, his record was 183-156-38 with a goals against average of 2.72 and a save percentage of .915.  His top season was in 2014 when he won a career high 41 games.  He helped the Avalanche make the playoffs that season but were knocked off by the Minnesota Wild in 7 games.

                Last season was one to forget for Varlamov.  He started for Colorado, but he struggled at times to stop the puck.  When that occurred, teams found the puck on rebounds to put it in the back of the net.  Varlamov went  20-19-9 with a goals against average of 2.87 and a save percentage of .909.

                The Avalanche didn’t have the results with Varlamov.  They were in a playoff race for the last Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.  They decided to bench Varlamov for Philipp Grubauer who guided the Avalanche to the playoffs.  In the postseason Varlamov didn’t see the ice.  The Avalanche went with Grubauer who played well in the playoffs going 7-5 with a goals against average of 2.30 and a save percentage of .925.  Colorado advanced to the 2^nd-round with him, only to be knocked off in game 7 against the San Jose Sharks.

                Once the season ended Varlamov knew his days in Colorado were over.  The Avalanche had their goaltender in Grubauer and didn’t want to pay Varlamov.   It was time for him to move on.

                Varlamov is now going to get a fresh start with the Islanders.  New York hopes he plays like he did in 2014 and helps this team make a run back to the playoffs.  Varlamov has shown he can be a reliable goaltender in the NHL.  On paper this was a smart move for the Islanders but he has to stay healthy.  If Varlamov misses time this was a wasted deal.  Right now, the Islanders have their #1 goaltender for the next few years.