New York Islanders depth goaltender Jakub Skarek seems unlikely to remain with the organization.
According to SPORTTI.com, HIFK of the Finnish Elite League has an interest in the 25-year-old netminder.
Drafted in the third round (No. 72) of the 2018 NHL Draft, Skarek never really developed into the reliable option the organization hoped for.
He played 161 games for Bridgeport over his seasons with the club, never finishing with above a .900 SV% or a GAA under 3.00.
He made his first two NHL appearances this season, stopping 27 of 32 in a 6-3 loss to the Florida Panthers on Feb. 2 before making all seven saves in a relief appearance on Feb. 25 against the New York Rangers in a 5-1 loss.
With Marcus Hogberg locked in at one more season, along with Henrik Tikkanen, Tristan Lennox, and a few more prospects potentially coming soon in Dmitry Gamzin and Marcus Gidlof, retaining Skarek isn't a need.
Skarek just concluded his second season of a two-year deal worth $775,000. He is a Group 6 UFA.
According to Puckpedia, a Group 6 UFA is a player who is 25 years old, has completed three or more professional seasons, has a contract expiring, and has played fewer than 80 NHL Games.
For goalies, this is 28 NHL games with more than 30 minutes of ice time.
Playing in Europe would be nothing new for Skarek.
The Czech goaltender played 22 games for the Lahti Pelicans in the 2018-2019 season before playing for Heinola Peliitti of the Mestis in the 2020-2021 season.
The Hockey News reached out to Skarek's agent, Darren Ferris, for confirmation, but we have yet to receive a response.
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