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Koskinen to Oilers - Emil Garipov now in sight for Islanders?

April 23, 2018, 7:37 AM ET [5 Comments]
Aivis Kalnins
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The New York Islanders are a team that will be looking for a goaltender this off-season, and why not take a look at the KHL?

I reported not long ago that Mikko Koskinen and the New York Islanders have an agreement in place so that he would sign with the Brooklyn based team on July 1st. Unfortunately for them - this is not the case anymore.

Per multiple sources - Mikko Koskinen had misunderstood the situation. However, nothing has changed and the goalie still intends to make a move to the National Hockey League next season.

The 29-year-old former 31st overall pick is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers with an AAV of $2.5mil per season.

What does it mean for the Islanders? It's simple - explore different options and in this case the newly crowned Gagarin Cup champion - Emil Garipov. The 26-year-old goalie who has been very consistent in his career and is looking to make the jump to North America. His contract with AkBars ends on April 30th and after the season he had - he will be sought after by NHL teams.

In 47 games during the regular season, he averaged 1.99 GAA with .931 SVS%. In playoffs, he was lights out the best player on the ice, 1.55GAA and .944 SVS%.

Although this chase won't be easy for the Islanders, as many as four teams including the New York team have expressed interest in his services. Asking range is expected to be slightly higher than Mikko Koskinen's but the term is what team and player will have to negotiate.
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