The New York Islanders are close to adding some more goaltending depth. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic tweets a deal is being finalized with Cory Schneider. While LeBrun points out the connection between the free agent goaltender and Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello from their time together in New Jersey, it does somewhat complicate things in New York.
Schneider, 34, was recently bought out by the Devils after struggling with injury and inconsistency the last several seasons and likely would have to accept the third goaltender role in the Islanders organization. The team already has veteran starter Semyon Varlamov and young phenom Ilya Sorokin in the mix, meaning unless there is another move coming — or the team is going back to the three-headed goaltending option — Schneider will likely have to spend time in the minor leagues once again.
In a condensed 2020-21 season there will be a need for goaltending depth as teams are forced to games at a heightened pace, but it’s hard to believe that Schneider would be able to displace either of the Islanders' two top goaltenders. Though he was once a legitimate starting option who even challenged for the Vezina Trophy, Schneider hasn’t posted a save percentage above .910 since the 2015-16 season.
Of course, the Islanders also employ goaltending guru Mitch Korn, who has resurrected careers before and should be able to help Schneider get things back on track, if not all the way back to his previous level. At the very least, he’ll be some veteran depth in case of injury.
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