Nov 25, 2024; Elmont, New York, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Lucas Raymond (23) (not pictured) scores a goal past New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov (40) during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Veteran Islanders Goalie Out Indefinitely

Originally posted on Breakaway on SI | By Jacob Punturi | Last updated Feb 1, 2025 11:52 AM ET

The worst injury luck of the season has to go to the New York Islanders. The team has battled through the entire 2024-2025 campaign with injuries to some of their top stars like Mat Barzal, Noah Dobson and Ryan Pulock. They've managed to stay alive in the Eastern Conference playoff race, but there is seemingly no end in sight to this poor injury luck.

The Islanders have been without veteran goaltender Semyon Varlamov since the end of November. He started just 10 games, posting a 3-4-3 record before popping up on the injured list with a lower-body injury. He was then quickly placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve due to the same ailment.

Now, the latest update is another discouraging one. The Islanders announced that Varlamov would remain out indefinitely.

#Isles player update: Varlamov is out indefinitely.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 1, 2025

This is Varlamov's sixth season with New York after signing with the organization during the 2019 offseason. During his time with them, he's played many roles. He's been a starter, a back-up, a mentor to Ilya Sorokin, and now an advisor from the press box. Whatever that role has been, Varlamov has been one of the most consistent net minders during his tenure in the NHL.

Varlamov began his career as a first-round pick of the Washington Capitals, where he would also make his NHL debut. He played for the Caps for his first three seasons before joining the Colorado Avalanche. He played for the Avs for a total of eight seasons before joining the Islanders as a free agent.

In his NHL career, he's amassed 593 starts and 621 total appearances. His overall record 289-232-71 and posted a career goals against average of 2.65 and a .916 save percentage. His 289 victories are the fourth-most achieved by a Russian-born goalie in the NHL.

This article first appeared on Breakaway on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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