Ilya Sorokin named Vezina Trophy finalist

New York Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin was named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy for the first time in his NHL career late Thursday afternoon.

Playing in 62 games, Sorokin was the backbone of the Islanders all season, allowing just 2.34 goals a game while compiling a save percentage of .924.

“I never think about individual awards,” Sorokin said on May 1 when asked what it would mean to be named a Vezina finalist. “It’s nothing if you don’t have a team. Team is the main part. So, if yes, it’s not my result. It’s the team’s result.”

Along with Sorokin, the other finalists for the award are Boston Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark and 2019-20 Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets.

Sorokin is the second Islander to be named a Vezina finalist in the last four years, as Robin Lehner was named in 2018-19. Billy Smith was the last Islander to win the award in 1981-82.

Sorokin is entering the final season of his contract in 2023-24 and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season.