Semyon Varlamov Returns to Islanders Training Camp
The goaltender took the ice for the first time in 22 months after two partial knee-replacement surgeries, saying he now feels ready to play again.
Semyon Varlamov played in the New York Islanders' first on-ice session of training camp on 17 September 2026, more than 22 months after his last NHL appearance.
The goaltender has been out since November 2024, having undergone two partial knee-replacement operations. He is under contract with the Islanders through 30 June 2027 at an average annual salary of $2.75m. In April the club sent him to their AHL affiliate to gain match sharpness, where he played two games.
Varlamov said the surgeries he had are performed on other patients, but no professional hockey player had previously tried to return to competition afterwards.
"I was just not mentally ready to end my career. I was just not ready. Of course, there were days when such thoughts came to mind, when things were not going well... I thought: 'Maybe this is the end? Maybe I won't be able to come back?' But now I finally feel good, on the first day of training I feel 100 percent, so I am very, very happy and looking forward to playing again. Those surgeries are routine, but no pro has ever tried to return from them. It was a kind of crazy, very risky idea. But I took the risk," Varlamov said.
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