Sorokin Placed on IR, Eyes Sunday Return; Injury Status Unclear

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, retroactive to December 20. Despite the IR designation, Sorokin was on the ice with his goaltender coach and is eligible to return as early as Sunday against the Blue Jackets. The NHL's seven-day IR requirement suggests this could be precautionary, though his injury status remains unclear. Sorokin last played Dec. 19, allowing three goals. He holds a 12-10-2 record with three shutouts, a 2.55 GAA, and a .910 save percentage across 24 appearances this season. Marcus Hogberg was called up as backup.