Ilya Sorokin Set to Start in Denver Amidst Hopes for 2024-25 Rebound

Ilya Sorokin is slated to start in goal Sunday in Colorado for the New York Islanders. After a brilliant 2022-23 season where he posted a 2.34 GAA and .924 SV% over 62 games, earning him an 8-year, $8.25 million extension and Vezina consideration, his 2023-24 performance saw a decline to a 3.01 GAA and .909 SV%, leading to him being benched behind Semyon Varlamov. Despite the dip, his .909 SV% remains above league average, and he's still considered an elite netminder. The Islanders' blue line is expected to be healthier, though scoring issues persist. Sorokin, who was widely regarded as the best KHL goaltender before his 2020-21 NHL arrival, previously excelled in a tandem with Varlamov, a role he may continue given Varlamov's contract and the team's coaching history. Fantasy managers are advised to draft for his significant upside.