The New York Islanders want to strengthen their status in the league and be considered a true contender capable of making a deep run in the quest for the Stanley Cup. The stability provided by their star goaltender, Ilya Sorokin, is a valuable asset sought by other franchises, which is why a firm stance is necessary. The Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning have been mentioned as interested teams.
Sorokin played 61 games last season, recording 30 wins and 24 losses (with 6 overtime losses). His level of play placed him 20th among NHL goalies, with a goals-against average of 2.71. These numbers warrant a strong decision from the Isles.
Dan Milstein, Sorokin’s agent, posted a strong message on social media to shut down the trade rumors circulating in the NHL market. His statement completely halts the interest from other franchises such as the Oilers and even shuts down any potential trade talks.
Statement from Sorokin’s agent
“Ilya Sorokin has a full no-trade clause and has never been part of any trade discussions — not at any point. Surprised this needs correcting, but here we are. There’s a difference between reporting facts and creating buzz around yourself,” Milstein said on his X account (formerly Twitter).
The stance is clear: Sorokin will not be traded. Both his fully protected contract and the lack of goaltending alternatives make any move nearly impossible. The New York franchise’s star goalie will remain a key piece in the Islanders’ strategy for next season.
Where did the speculation about Sorokin’s future come from?
The speculation emerged following the 2025 draft, when it was mentioned that the Islanders had explored a trade to move up in the draft order, possibly for the No. 4 pick, in exchange for Sorokin. However, both Milstein and new general manager Mathieu Darche denied any serious negotiations.