Ben Shelley: Looking back at the Islanders signing Varlamov and letting Lehner walk

He was only an Islander for a season but I’ll never stop rooting for Robin, regardless of which organization he plays for.

That being said, I’ve not a single negative thing to say about Varlamov.

He was only an Islander for a season but I’ll never stop rooting for Robin, regardless of which organization he plays for.

That being said, I’ve not a single negative thing to say about Varlamov.
- Wildschwein

100% schwein. I was disappointed that Robin wasn’t resigned, but Varly has shown he’s very capable. Will also always root for Lehner. Great person and story. He loved being an Islander and what Lou did for him (I’ve read a few times), which is awesome.

Not mentioned is how Varlamov's presence may have affected Sorokin's decision to finally come here or how the fellow Russian is helping Sorokin once he got here. The value of that, if in fact there's anything to it, in immeasurable.

Not mentioned is how Varlamov's presence may have affected Sorokin's decision to finally come here or how the fellow Russian is helping Sorokin once he got here. The value of that, if in fact there's anything to it, in immeasurable.
- PeteM

I would think it's a HUGE value to Sorokin. Having a fellow countryman speaking to you in your native tongue as a young man has to be of some comfort to him. I don't know how good his English is, and I don't know if they teach English at a young age in school. I couldn't imagine being 26 (or younger) and moving to the other side of the world and having to learn a new language being away from family & friends.

Not mentioned is how Varlamov's presence may have affected Sorokin's decision to finally come here or how the fellow Russian is helping Sorokin once he got here. The value of that, if in fact there's anything to it, in immeasurable.
- PeteM

Lots of speculation as that being the reason or one of the reasons why Lameriello pushed for Varlamov.

John Tonelli for HOF

I would think it's a HUGE value to Sorokin. Having a fellow countryman speaking to you in your native tongue as a young man has to be of some comfort to him. I don't know how good his English is, and I don't know if they teach English at a young age in school. I couldn't imagine being 26 (or younger) and moving to the other side of the world and having to learn a new language being away from family & friends.
- Isleshockeyman

Uncle Leo is also fluent in Russian. (His parents were both Russians.). Plus he can play on Barzal's wing. The guy can do it all.

John Tonelli for HOF
- Tee56

Hofstra University?

Uncle Leo is also fluent in Russian. (His parents were both Russians.). Plus he can play on Barzal's wing. The guy can do it all.
- JohnScammo

Uncle Leo is so talented.

John Tonelli for HOF
- Tee56

David Hasselhoff? I don't think either of them swing that way.

Hofstra University?
- JohnScammo

Thought it was a trade proposal? But JT/27 retired and not sure who HOF is...

Thought it was a trade proposal? But JT/27 retired and not sure who HOF is...
- streaks

Thought it was a trade proposal? But JT/27 retired and not sure who HOF is...
- streaks

John Tonelli for Hall of Fame, don’t you think? HOF = Hall of Fame

John Tonelli for Hall of Fame, don’t you think? HOF = Hall of Fame
- Tee56

John Tonelli for Hall of Fame, don’t you think? HOF = Hall of Fame
- Tee56

Are you sure it's not short for Hofstadter?

Florida Panthers
@FlaPanthers
Welcome to South Florida, Jumbo 😎

We’ve signed Joe Thornton to a one-year contract!!

Florida Panthers
@FlaPanthers
Welcome to South Florida, Jumbo 😎

We’ve signed Joe Thornton to a one-year contract!!


- eichiefs9

This guy is making the rounds these days

This guy is making the rounds these days
- Cptmjl

Chasing a cup.

Chasing a cup.
- Isleshockeyman

Panthers are the new stats and “talent” darlings like Carolina was. They’re not winning a cup this year.

Chasing a cup.
- Isleshockeyman

If Florida gets solid goaltending they're going to be a real tough out this year

If Florida gets solid goaltending they're going to be a real tough out this year
- eichiefs9

Key word and exactly why I think they won’t win it. I’ll also add that very rarely does a team make the playoffs one year, doesn’t advance, then wins the cup the following. There’s a kind of paying of the dues that generally happens before a team wins the cup. Win a round, experience some tough losses, and learn to win. Florida hasn’t done that yet. Colorado who were picked the last two years by most is a good example of that imo.

Key word and exactly why I think they won’t win it. I’ll also add that very rarely does a team make the playoffs one year, doesn’t advance, then wins the cup the following. There’s a kind of paying of the dues that generally happens before a team wins the cup. Win a round, experience some tough losses, and learn to win. Florida hasn’t done that yet. Colorado who were picked the last two years by most is a good example of that imo.
- Cptmjl

Not implying they're the favorite, just that if their goalies provide them with above-average play then they're going to be a tough team to eliminate. They added Sam Reinhart to an already very deep forward core and they have a pretty solid blueline with a healthy Ekblad.

The goalie tandem is a big wildcard for sure. If Bobrovsky can't provide some adequate play or stay healthy then they have to rely on a rookie to carry the load for them which probably isn't ideal.

Not implying they're the favorite, just that if their goalies provide them with above-average play then they're going to be a tough team to eliminate. They added Sam Reinhart to an already very deep forward core and they have a pretty solid blueline with a healthy Ekblad.

The goalie tandem is a big wildcard for sure. If Bobrovsky can't provide some adequate play or stay healthy then they have to rely on a rookie to carry the load for them which probably isn't ideal.
- eichiefs9

Bobrovsky is the definition of inconsistent. Guy is all over the map. I think they’ll win a round unless they play us in the first round