Islanders sign Vitek Vanecek to add needed goalie depth in NHL free agency

The Islanders have their goaltending plan set — just in case Semyon Varlamov isn’t ready to return.

While general manager Mathieu Darche said Saturday they plan on having Varlamov back up Ilya Sorokin if healthy, the Islanders still signed Vitek Vanecek to a one-year deal worth $1 million, according to TSN.

Vanecek, who won 33 games with the Devils in 2022-23 and then won a ring with the Panthers in 2025 as a backup, spent last year with the Mammoth — where he finished with a 5-13-3 record, a .883 save percentage and a 2.03 goals against average.

Vitek Vanecek #41 of the Utah Mammoth skates back to the net after a stoppage during the third period of their game against the Washington Capitals at the Delta Center on March 26, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Getty Images

Vanecek will essentially fill the role of David Rittich, who the Islanders relied on for 28 starts last year with Varlamov out.

Varlamov has undergone two knee replacement surgeries and last appeared in an NHL game in November 2024, though he appeared in two games with AHL Bridgeport on a conditioning loan late last season.

“We’re obviously going to sign other goalies, because we have to protect ourselves,” Darche said of Varlamov on Saturday. “Hopefully, he gives us the 25-30 starts we want from a backup. He would be an awesome addition, if that works out. He’s under contract, he feels great. If he’s healthy, he’s going to be our backup next year.

“He’s been training, no medication, no anything. He’s been on the ice at Northwell [Health Ice Center] probably twice a week, if not more, and in the gym. It’s very encouraging what we’re seeing right now.”