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Semyon Varlamov set for first NHL start since November 2024

The Islanders goalie is scheduled to return against the Rangers on Tuesday after recovering from two partial knee replacements.

By TSP Staff
Semyon Varlamov in a white Islanders jersey guarding the net.
Semyon Varlamov in an Islanders file photograph published by NHL.com. Capture date not specified. · Credit: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images, via NHL.com

Semyon Varlamov is set to start for the New York Islanders against the New York Rangers on Tuesday, his first NHL appearance since November 29, 2024.

The 38-year-old goaltender has been recovering from two partial knee replacements. Islanders coach Pete DeBoer confirmed the starting assignment after the morning skate, NHL.com reported.

Varlamov returned to preseason action and backed up Ilya Sorokin in the Islanders’ first two regular-season games, a 2-1 loss at Toronto and a 6-0 win over New Jersey.

Tuesday’s game at Madison Square Garden is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Mountain Time. ESPN carries it nationally in the United States, while Sportsnet lists it on SN+ in Canada.

Sources and notes

  1. Dan Rosen/NHL.com report: https://www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-semyon-varlamov-to-make-first-start-since-2024
  2. Stefen Rosner/The Hockey News report: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/islanders-semyon-varlamov-expected-first-145207115.html
  3. Official NHL October 6 schedule: https://www.nhl.com/schedule/2026-10-06