Islanders News: Cleanouts and Varlamov cleanups

Still stings. | Getty Images

The New York Islanders are done for 2025-26, but the Bridgeport Islanders live on for a while before they’re done forever. With a playoff spot already clinched, Bridgeport was the scene of Semyon Varlamov’s comeback attempt last night, his first pro action since 2024:

• Varlamov made his return to game action last night on a conditioning loan in Bridgeport’s 5-2 win. [B-Isles]
• Highlights should be up on AHL YouTube later, but here’s the game sheet. Eklund and Foudy scored, 18 saves on 20 shots for Varly. [AHL]
• Varly spoke with Andrew Gross of Newsday on his comeback and goal, and clarified he had “partial” replacements in both knees. [Newsday]

Meanwhile, back at the NHL level, the Islanders picked up the pieces with cleanout day, with Cal Ritchie and Mat Barzal each saying their understanding is they will be centers.

And what’s to come for longtime captain and UFA Anders Lee? Probably only Mathieu Darche and Lee’s agent know, because it sure sounds like they agree on desire but not terms:

Notes from various sources:

• Cal Ritchie, Isaiah George, Victor Eklund and Liam Foudy are reporting back to Bridgeport. [Post]
• Matthew Schaefer was just happy to make the team, and stick around past 10 games, much less become the Calder favorite and #1 blueliner. [Newsday]
• Anders Lee wants to stay…his fate is unclear. [Post]