Varlamov set for first regular-season start since 2024
The Islanders goalie returns against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden after partial replacements of both knees.
Semyon Varlamov is scheduled to start for the New York Islanders against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, Oct. 6. NHL.com reports that it will be his first NHL regular-season start since Nov. 29, 2024, following partial replacements of both knees.
The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Varlamov has already appeared in pre-season action; Tuesday marks his return to the regular-season net after the long injury absence.
He took an important step toward that return late last season when he played twice for Bridgeport in the American Hockey League. He won both games and allowed three goals, according to NHL.com.
Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche said the staff's assessment of Varlamov's movement had been encouraging. Darche has previously said he would like the veteran to play between 25 and 30 games this season.
Varlamov told NHL.com that retirement crossed his mind when his recovery stalled, but that he had wanted to continue playing. He said he felt healthy again at the beginning of training and was looking forward to returning.
