IslesNorway
Registered User
Except it's not about fair is it? I'm sure Lou would do that deal in day of the week but Lehner would not and that's the problem.
Eklund Rumor: Isles May talk to Varlamov
- Thread starter broncs918
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Except it's not about fair is it? I'm sure Lou would do that deal in day of the week but Lehner would not and that's the problem.
MikeyMike01
U.S.S. Wang
Isles Junkie
Registered User
He is an unknown for sure. However, there is a consensus that Sorokin is the best goalie in the world who isn't in the NHL. If convincing Sorokin to come over is dependent on bringing in Varlamov, then I think it's the right decision to make. Having a goalie that we can build around for the next 10+ years is something that this franchise certainly can use.
Now was last year a breakout year or a career year for Lehner? I honestly don't know the answer.
I'm really happy that he has gotten his life and his career back in order. But there is also risk in signing him to a long term deal. With all that said, obviously I wouldn't be upset one bit if he was brought back on a 3 year deal. But I really do want Sorokin to come over, and I can see how signing Varlamov would be a big influence in Sorokin's decision next year.
tony d
Registered User
Given how well Lehner did for the Islanders last year I'm surprised to hear this. Then again it's an Eklund rumor so it may not happen.
Pure Slaughter Value
Registered User
You really think he would turn that down? Does his agent think he's going to get 5/35?
QuadDeuces
Registered User
Robin Lehner's career .918 (ried for 15th all time) seems to have been dismissed completely by the majority of the hockey world. Consider the circumstances under which he's accrued most of his years and it becomes all the more astonishing that most people refuse to consider the possibility that he might just be an elite goalie. Re-sign him.
ScaredStreit
Registered User
Only on HF would people look forward to a young goaltending next prospect who might pan out, over a 27 year old Vezina finalist entering his prime 
Isles need to re-sign Lehner, if they don’t they miss the playoffs.
Isles need to re-sign Lehner, if they don’t they miss the playoffs.
IslesNorway
Registered User
Perhaps this is just Lou's way of putting some pressure on Lehner? Talk to Varlamov, put a rumour out, give Lehner a reason to cave in a bit if he really wants to stay.
Varlamov has a career .916 even after a poor 18-19, most of it behind a defense as bad if not worse than Lehner. He had a 0.920 the season before and his peak season was every bit as good as Lehner’s last season, except he played a lot more games, and also was a Vezina finalist.
This would be about buying low and with less commitment on a goalie just as talented as Lehner and utilizing that money elsewhere. Varlamov just turned 31 - even a modest three year deal takes him till only 34. The fact that it may help Sorokin settle is a minor plus at best, this is about value plain and simple. Maybe it affords you also the chance to re-sign Greiss as that great backup/1B.
I actually think there would be some pretty shrewd logic in this for the Islanders...
Pure stupidity to give goalies more than three year contacts. Just take a look around the league at present.
