Islanders Can Sign Thomas Greiss, Trade Semyon Varlamov
If the Islanders trade Semyon Varlamov before or during the offseason, they can sign Thomas Greiss to replace him. Let’s analyze this scenario in the article below!
Vintage Semyon Varlamov was on display Monday night.
The veteran goaltender stopped 44 of the 49 shots he faced in a 5-4 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, including 19 of 20 in just the first period.
He stopped many top-notch chances, and the score was tied at one going into the third period. While the New York Islanders collapsed in that frame, it was not Varlamov’s fault — he kept his team in the game for as long as he could.
“[Varlamov] was outstanding. He was the best player,” Islanders’ head coach Barry Trotz said. “If you can give a player a one to five, you can give him a 4.5 or five. He was by far the best player on the ice.”
Added Islanders’ forward Casey Cizikas: “[Varlamov] gave us every chance. He played unbelievable, made some incredible saves and we let him down big time.”
This performance showed the Varlamov still has it. While he has struggled this season (3-12-1, .911 save percentage, 2.90 goals against average), he can still lead a team for at least one more season.
However, that team may not be the Islanders.
That is because the Islanders have Ilya Sorokin. The 26-year-old netminder is having a much better season (18-12-7, .923 save percentage, 2.38 goals against average) and is the goalie of the future for the organization.
With Sorokin leading the way, the Islanders no longer need $9 million of their salary cap allotted to goalies next season, and therefore, can trade Varlamov — either before The Trade Deadline or this offseason.
If he waived his modified no-movement clause, Varlamov would likely fetch a nice return, as goaltenders are sought after on the trade market. A first-round pick, prospect or young player could come back to the Islanders in a deal.
If the Islanders decided to trade Varlamov, they would need to add a backup behind Sorokin this offseason.
In house, the Islanders have two options.
Jakub Skarek could replace Varlamov — he was named AHL Goaltender of the Month in January — but he is likely to raw to make an impact at the NHL level. Cory Schneider has NHL experience, but he is a pending unrestricted free agent and is way past his prime.
Therefore, the Islanders could look outside the organization if they decide to trade Varlamov.
Jack Campbell, Casey DeSmith, Marc-Andre Fleury, Pavel Francouz, Thomas Greiss, Jaroslav Halak, Braden Holtby, Mikko Koskinen, Darcy Kuemper and David Rittich are all unrestricted free agents this offseason and could be signed by the Islanders.
However, one of those players stands out from the rest.
Greiss was on the Islanders for five seasons (2015-2020) and has played the fifth-most games in franchise history, behind only Billy Smith, Rick DiPietro, Chico Resch and Kelly Hrudey.
He won the William M. Jennings Trophy, along with Robin Lehner, for allowing the fewest goals in 2018-19. He shut out the Flyers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2020, and led the Islanders to their first playoff series win since 1993 in 2016.
Not to mention, the current Detroit Red Wings’ goalie is beloved by Islanders’ fans. His wife, Brittney Greiss, is even involved with the fanbase to this day, giving away jerseys and sweatshirts on Twitter.
Islander fans this one is for you!!!! Winner will pick the size. Will ship to me to be signed from the nhl store. Money will be donated to a horse rescue in tx. We think a place for peanut is due for some donations. $20 to enter please pm me if you would like in this raffle. pic.twitter.com/qVg8xsYbsx
— Brittney Greiss (@BrittneyGreiss1) February 10, 2022
At 36-years-old, Greiss is close to retirement, but he still is a productive backup. Where better for it to end than with the Islanders, the team he has had the most success with in his NHL career?
Currently making $3 million per season, Greiss will likely command much less on his next deal. In a return to the Islanders, a two-year, $2.5 million contract could work for both sides.
Could a reunion with Greiss be in order? First, the Islanders would need to trade Varlamov before the Trade Deadline or this offseason. But if they do, this could be a good plan moving forward as the Islanders pursue their fifth Stanley Cup.
