Ilya Sorokin Bio
Ilya Igorevich Sorokin, born on 4 August 1995, is a Russian professional ice hockey player who serves as a goaltender for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected by the Islanders in the third round, 78th overall, of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Sorokin has developed into one of the league’s most reliable netminders since completing his transition from the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Standing 191 cm tall and weighing 86 kg, he combines size with technical precision, making him a cornerstone of the Islanders’ defensive core.
Early Life and Background
Ilya Igorevich Sorokin was born on 4 August 1995 in Mezhdurechensk, a small industrial city in the Kemerovo Oblast region of Siberia, Russia. Growing up in a region better known for coal mining than winter sports royalty, Sorokin developed an early passion for hockey through local youth programs. He played as a youth with Vympel Mezhdurechensk, where his goaltending talents quickly distinguished him from his peers.
His early development in Siberia shaped his resilience and work ethic, traits that would later define his professional career. As a teenager, Sorokin moved beyond his hometown club to pursue higher-level competition, eventually catching the attention of scouts from Russia’s top professional league.
Path to Professional Hockey
Sorokin’s journey to professional hockey began when he joined KHL club Metallurg Novokuznetsk as a 17-year-old in 2012. He made his professional and KHL debut with Novokuznetsk during the 2012–13 season, appearing in relief during an 8–6 defeat to Barys Astana on 7 January 2013. Over the following two seasons, Sorokin established himself as a promising young goaltender, which led to his selection by the New York Islanders, 78th overall, in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
During his third year with Metallurg Novokuznetsk in the 2014–15 season, Sorokin appeared in 22 games before being traded to perennial powerhouse CSKA Moscow in exchange for financial compensation on 24 December 2014. He continued his KHL career with CSKA Moscow by signing a three-year contract extension on 10 June 2017, solidifying his status as one of the top goaltenders in the league.
Ilya Sorokin Career
Early Career (2012–2014)
From 2012 to 2014, Sorokin played for Metallurg Novokuznetsk in the KHL, where he gained valuable experience as a teenager facing professional-level competition. His strong performances during his first two seasons earned him recognition across the league and helped position him as a top prospect for the upcoming NHL draft.
During the 2014–15 season, his third year with Novokuznetsk, Sorokin appeared in 22 games before the trade to CSKA Moscow. This period served as his development phase, bridging the gap between junior and elite professional hockey.
KHL Career with CSKA Moscow (2014–2020)
After joining CSKA Moscow in December 2014, Sorokin quickly became a central figure in the team’s goaltending rotation. In 2019, he won the Gagarin Cup with CSKA Moscow, the KHL’s equivalent of the Stanley Cup, and was named the most valuable player of the 2019 Gagarin Cup playoffs. His dominance during that championship run cemented his reputation as one of the premier goaltenders outside the NHL.
Over six seasons with CSKA Moscow, Sorokin played in 187 regular-season games and 41 playoff games, consistently posting strong save percentages. His success with CSKA made him one of the most coveted Russian goaltending prospects in the NHL, and the Islanders patiently awaited his arrival in North America.
New York Islanders Era (2020–Present)
On 13 July 2020, Sorokin signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the New York Islanders for the remainder of the 2019–20 season. Although he was unable to participate in the Return to Play phase due to COVID-19 eligibility rules, the contract allowed him to complete his entry-level status and become a restricted free agent. He was subsequently signed to a one-year, $2 million contract extension for the 2020–21 season.
Sorokin made his NHL and Islanders debut on 16 January 2021, against the New York Rangers, stepping in after the intended starter, Semyon Varlamov, was injured during warmups. His first NHL win and first NHL shutout came on 16 February 2021, in the Islanders’ 3–0 win over the Buffalo Sabres, where he made 20 saves. He made his Stanley Cup playoffs debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins in game 1, winning 4–3 in overtime. On 1 September 2021, Sorokin was re-signed to a three-year, $12 million contract by the Islanders.
During the 2022–23 season, Sorokin recorded a 31–22–7 record with a .924 save percentage and a league-leading six shutouts. He was named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best goaltender. On 1 July 2023, Sorokin signed an eight-year, $66 million contract extension with the Islanders, securing his long-term future with the franchise.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although not a skater, Sorokin’s playing style reflects the composure and technical precision that have defined his career. He is known for his excellent positional play, calm demeanor under pressure, and strong ability to read opposing shooters. His large frame and quick reflexes allow him to cover the net efficiently, and he has developed strong chemistry with fellow Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov, creating one of the league’s most reliable tandems.
Notable Events and Milestones
On 1 March 2025, Sorokin became the 17th goaltender in NHL history to be credited with a goal when, after making a save, Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos accidentally sent the puck into his own net. On 6 April 2025, in a game against the Washington Capitals, Sorokin allowed Alexander Ovechkin’s 895th career NHL goal, which broke Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894, making Ovechkin the all-time leading goal-scorer in NHL history. On 6 December 2025, Sorokin recorded his 25th career shutout, tying Chico Resch for the most shutouts in Islanders history, in a 2–0 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Ilya Sorokin Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ilya Sorokin’s full name includes the patronymic Igorevich, indicating his father is named Igor, though further details about his family background remain limited in public records. His early life in Mezhdurechensk, Siberia, reflects a humble upbringing that shaped his disciplined approach to the sport.
Personal Life
Sorokin maintains a private personal life, with limited public information available about his relationships or family beyond his parents and early connections to his hometown. His professional focus and reserved demeanor have kept personal details largely out of the public eye.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a landmark year for Ilya Sorokin and the New York Islanders. Throughout the season, Sorokin continued to demonstrate his elite goaltending abilities, providing consistency and stability for the Islanders’ defensive efforts. His performance has been central to the team’s playoff push, and his continued health and form remain critical factors in the Islanders’ postseason aspirations.
Sorokin’s milestone moments during the 2025 season have included his historic goal credited on 1 March 2025, making him the 17th goaltender in NHL history to achieve that feat. Later, on 6 December 2025, his 25th career shutout tied a franchise record, highlighting his enduring impact on the Islanders organization. These accomplishments underscore his value as a franchise cornerstone.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the 2025 season and the playoffs, Sorokin’s partnership with Semyon Varlamov and the Islanders’ defensive structure will be key to their success. With his long-term contract extension secured, Sorokin is positioned to remain a central figure in the Islanders’ quest for a deep playoff run and potential Stanley Cup contention.