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Semyon Varlamov Returns in AHL Tuneup as Islanders Gauge 2026–27 Goalie Plan

The short AHL stint serves as a live test for his NHL future.

Overview

  • Semyon Varlamov, who suited up Wednesday for AHL Bridgeport, stopped 18 of 20 shots in a 5-2 win in his first game action since November 29, 2024.
  • He made the comeback after partial replacements on both knees and said his goal is to return to the NHL, not just play a single game.
  • The assignment is a six-day conditioning loan in the AHL, the NHL’s top minor league, which makes him ineligible for Bridgeport’s playoffs and could include a second start Friday at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
  • General manager Mathieu Darche called this a real-time evaluation for next season and said Varlamov remains an option as the club sorts out its depth behind starter Ilya Sorokin.
  • The Islanders also signed forward prospect Quinn Finley to a two-year entry-level deal that begins next season, and he will join Bridgeport now on an amateur tryout.