The New York Islanders made a bold move last month by trading defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens. According to insider Frank Seravalli, they could be considering another major deal. The Hockey News’ Stefen Rosner [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/islanders-ilya-sorokin-dangling-makes-little-sense] cited Seravalli's recent appearance on the Kevin Kraus Show, during which he indicated he'd heard some trade conversation about Ilya Sorokin. The 29-year-old goaltender is in the second season of an eight-year deal [https://puckpedia.com/player/ilya-sorokin] with an average annual value of $8.25 million. Seravalli cited sources saying the Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders] might have sought a draft-day deal that would've sent Sorokin to the Utah Mammoth [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/utah] for the 2025 fourth overall pick. They would've used that pick to select Long Island native James Hagens. However, Rosner cited Islanders GM Mathieu Darche, who said he attempted to move up in the first round, but clubs were unwilling to part with their picks. He's also skeptical that Darche would move his franchise goalie if he wants the Isles to remain competitive and make the playoffs, especially with backup Semyon Varlamov coming off lower-body surgery. It's worth noting that Sorokin cannot be moved without his permission. He has a full no-movement clause through 2027-28. Ilya Sorokin (John Jones-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/de4e699c-64aa-4d3c-b18e-97f608083e0d.jpeg] Ilya Sorokin (John Jones-Imagn Images) Meanwhile, RG.Org's Marco D'Amico cited some online speculation [https://rg.org/news/hockey/canadiens-eyeing-top-six-help-kuznetsov-rumors-clearing-cap-space] making the rounds regarding the Canadiens [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens]' search for a second-line center. One rumor had Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning] center Anthony Cirelli being in play, but D'Amico swatted that one down. He pointed out that the 27-year-old Cirelli is on a sweetheart contract ($6.25-million cap hit through 2030-31) with a full no-trade clause that kicked in on July 1. Even if Cirelli lacked no-trade protection, D'Amico pointed out the Lightning has no one to replace him. Considering the two-way center was a finalist this past season [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/why-the-nhls-three-selke-trophy-finalists-each-deserve-to-win] for the Selke Trophy, it's a safe bet that he's not going anywhere. D'Amico also had bad news for Montreal fans hoping the Canadiens might target Anaheim Ducks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks] center Mason McTavish with an offer sheet. He cited a league source indicating the 22-year-old McTavish doesn't want to leave Anaheim. They also noted that clubs are reluctant to risk their first-rounders in what is expected to be a deep draft next year. The Ducks aren't concerned about the threat of an offer sheet for McTavish. With nearly $30 million in cap space [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/which-nhl-teams-that-still-have-lots-of-cap-space-should-make-a-splash], they can easily match any offer. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
