How Good Has Marcus Hogberg Been? The New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/] have been without backup netminder Semyon Varlamov since Nov. 29. In his absence, Ilya Sorokin handled the majority of the workload. However, third-string netminder Marcus Hogberg has been given an opportunity and shined in his limited opportunities. Through six appearances, Hogberg owns a 1.32 GAA with a .952 SV%. With Varlamov still not back skating with the team--we were told he is skating on his own--the Islanders are running out of time to keep Hogberg on the roster before he requires waivers. Hogberg is currently up on an emergency basis and will remain waiver-exempt if he doesn't play in 10 games. But the longer Varlamov remains out, the more likely that becomes, especially if the grizzled veteran isn't back after the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off. Hogberg would likely be claimed if the Islanders had to waive him. Given that he has another season on his deal at just $775,000 (league minimum), he is a bit more valuable to the Islanders and any other team that could potentially acquire him. The question is, with the way Hogberg has played, has he turned himself into an asset? In theory, yes. Other teams might want to see more of a sample size, but there's no reason, if Hogberg keeps up his strong play, that he wouldn't be worth a third-round pick or so on the trade market. Hogberg hasn't played against the strongest of teams. The more financially beneficial move for the Islanders than trading Hogberg would be to trade Varlamov, who has two more seasons left at $2.75 million with a full no-trade clause for this season. Varlamov has a modified 16-team no-trade clause for the final two seasons of his deal. The Islanders then could have Hogberg back up Sorokin at least through next season. However, Varlamov's health likely makes trading him a non-option, at least before March 7th's NHL Trade Deadline. So, could Hogberg be on the move, and could the New Jersey Devils be a smart trade partner? Jacob Markstrom, amid an incredible first season in New Jersey, sustained a long-term lower-body injury in their 5-1 win against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday: The only update right now is that he'll "miss some time." While a goaltender injury is not ideal, the Devils are the third seed in the Metropolitan Division and have a seven-point lead over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Devils will need a serviceable backup if they want to remain that high in the standings, especially with teams like the New York Rangers heating up. Hogberg could certainly help fill the Markstrom role until he is ready to return. The Devils could just recall Nico Daws, but the 24-year-old has struggled this season with Utica, owning a 3.27 GAA with an .892 SV%. What would the Islanders do if they traded Hogberg and Varlamov wasn't ready to return? It's not ideal for Sorokin to be playing every day, especially after undergoing off-season back surgery. And the Islanders would only be making this trade for a few reasons: 1. They believe they are out of it for a playoff spot. 2. Varlamov will be back soon and Sorokin can handle the workload. 3. Given Varlamov's timeline, Hogberg will need waivers anyway, and they would rather not lose him for free. Roy said the other day--he didn't have to say this as it was well known--that Sorokin is the clear-cut No. 1 goaltender despite Hogberg's strong play. If the Islanders needed to recall another goaltender, they could have Jakub Skarek back. Hogber turning himself into a trade piece wasn't on anyone's Bingo card, but there's no question that he's played well enough to get an NHL opportunity elsewhere if his time on the Islanders' NHL squad is coming to an end sooner than later. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEyMTYyOTcwODQ5OTEyODA4/google-news.svg] Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwpuDfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story.
