Sep 26, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Jakub Skarek (1) prepares for a shot on goal attempt in the third period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

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Islanders Recall Jakub Skarek on Emergency Basis

New York Islanders call up goaltender Jakub Skarek from AHL Bridgeport due to an emergency roster need.

Due to Ilya Sorokin‘s illness, the Islanders needed to be promoted from the minors for a roster change ahead of tonight’s matchup against Utah. The team revealed that they have brought back goaltender Jakub Skarek from AHL Bridgeport.

The 25-year-old has been mentioned frequently over the years but still has not made his NHL debut. Skarek has participated in 17 matches with Bridgeport this season, posting a 3.29 GAA and .891 SV%, securing wins in only four of those contests.

Those figures are almost the same as his career statistics in the AHL, where he has a 3.31 GAA and .891 SV% over six seasons in total. With Marcus Hogberg (who will begin tonight in Sorokin’s absence) already elevated, Skarek has taken on the role of starter for Bridgeport in recent weeks.

Islanders Recall Jakub Skarek On Emergency Basishttps://t.co/P1qiUMputy
— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) January 11, 2025

Sorokin’s save percentage fell by 16 points last season, going from .924 to .908. Regrettably, for him and the Isles, that figure has decreased by six additional points this year to .902, coupled with a 2.83 GAA in his initial 30 starts. During the initial season of an eight-year, $66MM deal, it’s reasonable to assert that New York expected him to have a much greater impact this year.

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The Islanders are utilizing one of their two 48-hour goaltender exemption recalls, enabling them to temporarily go beyond the 23-player roster limit. Consequently, no related roster change is required at this time to include Skarek on the active roster. Skarek must be sent down by Monday to remain compliant with the rule, but he could remain if New York chooses to send someone else down to create a vacancy.

Imagn Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Jakub Skarek

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Anamika Shrivastava

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