Islanders Face Roster Challenge: Backup Goaltender Dilemma

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 21, 2026

The New York Islanders must decide whether to carry a third goaltender this season as backup Vitek Vanecek’s role depends on the health of Semyon Varlamov, who is recovering well from knee procedures. This decision is crucial because it impacts roster flexibility and the team’s ability to support starter Ilya Sorokin through the demanding NHL schedule.

The New York Islanders face a challenging decision regarding their goaltending roster as the NHL season approaches. Backup goaltender Vitek Vanecek, who signed a one-year, $1 million contract during the offseason, remains uncertain about his role due largely to the team’s considerations surrounding Semyon Varlamov’s health and roster constraints.

Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer acknowledged the complexity of carrying a third goaltender, emphasizing the decision will hinge on Varlamov’s condition. “It’s been discussed, and it does handcuff you,” DeBoer said following Sunday’s 2-1 preseason loss to the New Jersey Devils, in which Vanecek played the full game and made 20 saves. “I think that’s all gonna depend on how Varly’s doing, how he’s feeling and things like that. I don’t think, in talking with Mathieu [Darche], that we want to go there, but it’s on the table if we have to.”

Varlamov, who is slated to appear in two of the team’s final three preseason games, has shown encouraging signs in training camp. Moving well and displaying agility, he appears on track to back up starting goaltender Ilya Sorokin. Varlamov has undergone two partial knee replacements and has impressed the organization with his commitment to returning to full competition. The Islanders have expressed their reluctance to hinder his recovery by rushing or limiting his playing time.

However, concerns remain about how Varlamov’s knees will hold up during the grueling 84-game regular season, which includes extensive travel and practice demands. The Islanders’ experience of having overextended Sorokin in prior seasons—with inadequate backup support during Varlamov’s absences—contributed to missed playoff berths in recent years.

Vanecek brings over 200 NHL games of experience but struggled last season with a .883 save percentage in 22 games at the AHL level with Utah, trailing the .894 mark posted by then-backup David Rittich, whom the team ultimately did not rely on down the stretch. While Vanecek offers a more established option than AHL prospect Joshua Kotai, who has impressed in camp but remains untested at the NHL level, the situation leaves some uncertainty.

The Islanders face the possibility of placing Vanecek on waivers to assign him to the minor leagues, hoping he clears unclaimed. However, with league-wide goaltender needs, there is no guarantee another team will pass on acquiring him, which would leave the Islanders short-handed if Varlamov were to suffer setbacks. The team also must weigh whether keeping a third goaltender justifies the potential loss of a forward roster spot. Forwards such as Victor Eklund, Kyle MacLean, Mitchell Chaffee, and Pierre Engvall are all competing fiercely for limited openings, and several prospects continue to impress.

While organizational depth is an asset, the Islanders face difficult roster decisions as they strive to balance goaltender health, lineup flexibility, and overall team competitiveness heading into the regular season.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.