Jan 25, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Marcus Hogberg (50) tends net against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Marcus Hogberg

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New York Islanders Activate Marcus Hogberg from Injured Reserve Ahead of Key Stretch

New York Islanders bolster their goaltending as Marcus Högberg returns from injury, aiming to strengthen their push for the playoffs.

Jan 25, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Marcus Hogberg (50) tends net against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Marcus Hogberg

The New York Islanders are strengthening their goaltending depth as they push for an unexpected playoff spot. The team has activated veteran netminder Marcus Hogberg from injured reserve ahead of their matchup against the Anaheim Ducks, as reported by Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News. In a corresponding move, the Islanders have sent goaltender Jakub Skarek back to AHL Bridgeport.

Hogberg, 30, has been sidelined for 14 games with an upper-body injury but is expected to return to action soon. His last appearance was on January 25, and he had been playing well since being called up from Bridgeport in December to fill in for the injured Semyon Varlamov. In limited NHL action, Hogberg has impressed with a stellar .947 save percentage (SV%) and a 1.45 goals-against average (GAA), proving to be a reliable backup for Ilya Sorokin.

Marcus Hogberg (upper body) has been activated from IR.https://t.co/P8GP4cByPF
— Daily Faceoff – Fantasy (@DFOFantasy) March 9, 2025

The Islanders signed Hogberg last May on a two-year, $1.55 million contract to provide experienced depth behind Sorokin and Varlamov. Before returning to the NHL, he spent three seasons in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), where he dominated with Linkoping HC, earning Goalie of the Year and MVP honors in 2023-24. Although he struggled in the AHL with a 3.26 GAA and .898 SV% in 11 games, he has redeemed himself in the NHL with strong performances.

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Meanwhile, Skarek, 25, made his NHL debut in Hogberg’s absence but had a tough time, allowing five goals on 39 shots across two appearances, resulting in a .872 SV% and 3.94 GAA. The former third-round pick has yet to post a SV% above .900 in any league since 2018-19 and will now return to Bridgeport as he nears unrestricted free agency this summer.

With Varlamov still sidelined and unlikely to return this season, Högberg is expected to serve as Sorokin’s primary backup for the remainder of the year. His return provides the Islanders with much-needed stability in net as they fight to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Image Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Marcus Hogberg

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Anamika Shrivastava

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