In the wake of a whirlwind NHL offseason, the New York Islanders have been at the center of attention, making bold moves under new General Manager Mathieu Darche. Among the flurry of rumors and transactions, star goaltender Ilya Sorokin found his name circulating in trade discussions, particularly with the Utah Mammoth during the 2025 NHL Draft.

As speculation reached a fever pitch, fans and analysts alike questioned the future of the Islanders’ most reliable netminder. However, with a calm and candid response, Sorokin has put the rumors to rest, reaffirming his commitment to New York.

Amidst significant roster changes, including the high-profile trade of Noah Dobson to Montreal and the acquisition of Alexander Romanov, Sorokin’s steady presence offers reassurance to both the team and its supporters. As the Islanders look ahead to a new era, Sorokin’s leadership and perspective will be vital in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Ilya Sorokin was linked to trade talks with the Utah Mammoth at the 2025 NHL Draft, and now he’s responded and shut down any possible trade talks of the future.

The New York Islanders have been the NHL’s busiest team since Mathieu Darche took over the General Manager role from Lou Lamoriello, taking home one of the best hauls in the 2025 NHL Draft while making some big moves.

However, it was one big move that they didn’t make that drew headlines after the draft, with reports emerging that star goaltender Ilya Sorokin was involved in trade talks, specifically with the Utah Mammoth and the No. 4 overall draft pick.

Those talks have now been shut down as nothing but rumour, and after Sorokin’s agent noted his no-trade clause as a reason why this would never happen, he’s also addressed the speculation.

“I wasn’t surprised by the rumors-it’s part of the business.

What did surprise me, though, was how seriously people took them, even though everyone knows I have a no-trade clause. But overall-let them talk.”

Sorokin is clearly here to stay in New York, and as such, he addressed some of the other moves made by Darche thus far, noting that he thought the deal for Alexander Romanov and the trade of Noah Dobson was good business.

“That one surprised me. But realistically, the team couldn’t keep both Romanov and Dobson. The salary cap forces tough decisions-it’s business. Dobson got a good deal in Montreal, and I wish him nothing but success.”

Ultimately, the fans are on board for most of the moves made by Darche this summer, and now the team have showed their appreciation for the moves too, and in Sorokin, we now know that he will be the goaltender for this team for a long time to come.