New York Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov and forward Mat Barzal both anticipate being ready for the start of next season, according to Ethan Sears of the New York Post. Varlamov, who underwent season-ending surgery after an injury that limited him to 10 games this season, hopes to return as a reliable backup behind Ilya Sorokin, while Barzal, recovering from a knee injury, had 20 points in 30 games and could have played in the playoffs. Both players have significant contracts, with Varlamov at $2.75MM AAV for two years and Barzal at $9.125MM AAV for six years.
