Russell’s Roundup: Sorokin’s Surgery; Fulp a Rookie Standout

The New York Islanders had their annual golf outing yesterday. During it, the media got to speak to Mat Barzal, Brock Nelson, Anthony Duclair, and head coach Patrick Roy ahead of training camp on Thursday. All three had intriguing things to say about the upcoming season and other fun bits. Elsewhere in the NHL, Sidney Crosby finally put pen to paper and locked in for two more years with the Penguins. The Red Wings signed Lucas Raymond to an eight-year deal and Jonatan Bergen to a one-year deal. The Devils also officially inked a PTO with a pair of players.

Look, let’s not bury the lede any further. Patrick Roy revealed that Ilya Sorokin had an offseason back surgery. That was all the detail the media received. Now, it’s always possible the back surgery was minor. That can’t be speculated on. Lou Lamoriello said they didn’t expect the issue to last until the regular season and seemed to imply Sorokin would eventually join training camp, even if it were a week late. Nevertheless, it isn’t the type of news any Islander fan wanted to hear on their Monday morning.

New York Islanders:

NYI Hockey Now: Tomorrow officially ends rookie camp, as Wednesday is expected to be a day off ahead of main camp kicking off on Thursday. With camp winding down, one defenseman has stood out throughout camp with his speed and size: Aidan Fulp, the undrafted college free agent who signed out of Western Michigan with the Islanders. The 24-year-old spoke exclusively to NYI Hockey Now about the opportunity before him.

Golf Outing Summary: In addition to the bombshell from Roy about Sorokin’s surgery, Roy confirmed that Anthony Duclair will start camp on the top line with Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat. Barzal discussed Duclair’s arrival, saying, “Having Dukie (Duclair) out on the ice, (my) immediate reaction is fast, high skill, and good IQ. I think it’s a great addition.”

Duclair expressed excitement about finally being on the island and discussed how he has loved it here. He added how exciting it would be to play with Barzal, feeling the passion and compete level that oozes out of Barzal.

Lastly, Nelson and Barzal both expressed a ton of admiration and respect for the departing Cal Clutterbuck.

Nelson specifically said, “He put his heart and soul into everything. He was here for what, 11 years? (He) Played a hard style as a leader on and off the ice for us.” Then, turning an eye to the future, Nelson said his departure opens up the platform for new guys to take the mantle and step up as leaders.

NHL News & National Hockey Now:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Sidney Crosby signed. Pittsburgh’s anxiety has been thoroughly relieved, and Dan had the full news story here.

More PHN: Crosby met with the media and discussed getting the deal, including some assurances from Kyle Dubas.

Detroit Hockey Now: Detroit’s day was also busy, with two contracts for RFAs finally being completed. It started with a small shake when Jonatan Berggren signed his one-year deal.

That was followed hours later by the big move of Lucas Raymond’s monster eight-year $8.075 per year contract. The contract is right around his expected value as he and the Wings hope this season will be the one to end their postseason drought.

New Jersey Hockey Now: After almost 24 hours of rumors, the Devils officially signed Kevin Labanc to a PTO, and Andy Welenski joined on a PTO as well. The pair of PTOs were officially announced on Monday.

Forever Blueshirts: For those of you who may want to read about a doomsday-type scenario for the Rangers, here’s our friend at Forever Blueshirts discussing what a Filip Chytil contingency plan looks like.