New York Islanders 2026 Offseason News: World Championships, Sorokin Vezina Finalist, Barzal For Brady Tkachuk?

Kevin Sweeney
Apr 12, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) during the first period against the Montréal Canadiens at UBS Arena.

The Islanders have a bunch of offseason news. This week, some players had the ignominious duty of volunteering to play in the World Championships. Goaltender Ilya Sorokin was named a finalist for the Vezina trophy. He might finish second for the second year in a row. Finally, there are more Mat Barzal trade rumors.

Islanders Offseason News

Montréal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson (8) fends off a challenge from New York Islanders center Calum Ritchie (64).
Apr 12, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Montréal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson (8) fends off a challenge from New York Islanders center Calum Ritchie (64) in the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alexander Wohl-Imagn Images

Hockey World Championships

If a National Hockey League team has been eliminated from the playoffs or did not make them, like the Islanders, its players can volunteer to play for their country’s teams. Five key Islanders have made decisions. Bo Horvat will not play for Team Canada, and neither will Mathew Schaefer. However, Barzal will. Both Simon Holmstrom and Emile Heineman will play for Team Sweden.

Fans are torn about players on their teams’ stars and the tournament. On the one hand, players are happy to play for their countries, and the tournament gives them some great experience. On the other hand, the players may get hurt playing in the tournament. So, there is a risk.

Vezina Trophy

Sorokin was named one of three finalists for the Vezina Trophy. The trophy is awarded to the best goaltender in the National Hockey League. A late-season slide may cost Sorokin the award. He is likely to finish second in the voting, to the same guy, for the second year in a row. There is little doubt, however, that Sorokin was extremely valuable to the Islanders.

If Sorokin were to win the award, it would be a big honor for the team. If he played better down the stretch, he would be a lock. He faced the most high-danger shots in the National Hockey League. High-danger shots in hockey are those that are close to the net and good scoring opportunities. The repeated defensive breakdowns for the Islanders led to this problem.

Barzal Trade

Finally, there is another major trade rumor. The proposition, or rumor, is straight-up, Mat Barzal for Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators. Tkachuk wants out of Ottawa. The Islanders may want to remake their team. The trade of Barzal for Tkachuk would certainly do that; it would be the biggest trade of the year. But, should the Islanders do it?

Tkachuk is a couple of years younger than Barzal, and his cap hit is a few thousand dollars less. However, Barzal is a creator, and the Islanders would miss that and his skating skills. Tkachuk, on the other hand, is an agitator and a goal scorer. He was injured this past season, and his statistics have declined in the past few seasons. So, that should give the Islanders some caution.

Kevin Sweeney is a published author. He is the author of 7 books. He has written an autobiography, a book on stroke recovery, one on presidential politics, and four on sports. Kevin has a Ph.D. in political science; he has published 12 scholarly articles. He lives in Purcellville, VA, with his 3 sons and wife, Kelly. They were married in 2000.

You can get his books here:
https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/bookshelf