Semyon Varlamov returned to the NHL after a nearly two-year break due to a knee injury

Brief retelling from RIA II

Russian New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov returned to the NHL almost two years after suffering a knee injury.

Varlamov took the ice for the first time in a preseason match against the New York Rangers and stopped all 10 shots.

The goalkeeper noted that he feels comfortable and is ready to play a full match.

MOSCOW, September 23 - RIA Novosti. Russian New York Islanders goalkeeper Semyon Varlamov called his return to the National Hockey League (NHL) special almost two years after a knee injury.

Varlamov was recovering from two knee replacement surgeries in December 2024. The goaltender has not participated in an NHL game since November 29 of that year. On Wednesday, the Russian took the ice for the first time during the second period of the preseason match against the New York Rangers (4:3) and stopped all 10 shots.

“When I came out in the second period and made a couple of good saves, I started to feel more comfortable. I just wanted to go out and have fun. It’s a great feeling, I don’t need anything else (in terms of treatment). My knees are fine. I just need to play a couple of matches before the start of the season. Next time I play a full match, I want to see how the body reacts. It will be important for me to get and play a full match,” the club’s website quotes Varlamov as saying.

“It was cool, I haven’t played in the league for a long time. It was a special moment for me. I understand that it’s the preseason, but when you’re a goalie, there are no easy games for you. You just try to go out on the ice and play your best game. My job was to go out and stop shots, and while I was sitting on the bench, I tried not to think too much and stay focused,” he added.