Islanders Bits*: *Now with some actual news

Welcome to another week inside. We’ll have more Islanders of the Day later this week, but for today, we have a bunch of links to post, some containing - and I hope you’re sitting down for this - actual Islanders news for the first time in what feels like forever.

Don’t forget to play afro’s daily Islanders trivia games.

Islanders stuff

• Word came out yesterday via very well-connected Russian hockey journalist Igor Eronko that goalie Ilya Sorokin will be signing with the Islanders at the conclusion of his KHL contract on April 30th. It’s been a long time coming for ol’ Ilya, but it seems like we may be nearing the finish line.
• Hot off the interpresses: Arthur Staple on how Sorokin will impact the Islanders. (For starters, he can’t play this season if it resumes, per NHLPA guidelines)
• How’s Mat Barzal doing? Well, for one thing, he’s sick of playing against his dad and sister in ping-pong just to find some kind of competitive outlet. One thing he’s not doing is sweating his impending contract talks with the Islanders. Also, he’s learning the guitar. [NHL.com | Islanders | Newsday on the contract and on the competition]
• Islanders fans has questions and Barry Trotz has answers. Biggest revelation: he owns 25 guitars, some signed by some big names, but doesn’t play.
• Trotz called Craig Custance and talked about his philosophies, his career and what he’s evaluating during this break for The Athletic’s Full 60 podcast.
• One thing Trotz is concerned about is players getting back into skating shape. [Newsday]
• Not one, not two but three Islander couples all had baby girls in the last month. BFFs!
• Meanwhile, Derrick Brassard is missing his teammates and his gym but is brushing up on his cooking skillz. [Islanders]
• Remember Justin Johnson? The short time Islander who memorably beat John Scott in a fight in Buffalo at the tail end of the 2014 season? Arthur Staple caught up with Johnson to discuss his career of mentorship and perseverance.
• The Maven talks about The Wolfman.
• Noel caught up with former Islander forward Mike Watt to talk about his time with the team, his departure and his entrance into coaching.

NHL News

• Over the weekend, Oilers forward Colby Cave passed away after suffering a brain bleed. He was 25 years old. Rest in peace.
• Blues defensive prospect Scott Perunovich was named this year’s Hobey Baker Award winner.
• If you’re in the mood for some draft projecting, Central Scouting’s final 2020 rankings are out.
• Venerable Swiss hockey team SC Bern has named former goalie Florence Schelling their new general manager, making her the first woman to GM a top level men’s pro team. [ESPN]