Ilya Sorokin absent from veterans skate in Islanders mystery

Ilya Sorokin did not participate in an informal veterans’ skate following Islanders rookie camp Thursday.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculated last week on his “32 Thoughts” podcast that Sorokin was “battling something,” though it was not clear what.

Sorokin was at Matt Martin’s charity poker tournament earlier this week and took photos with fans in which he did not appear to be wearing any kind of cast or boot.

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The Islanders also clarified that his absence Thursday had nothing to do with an off-ice issue, as some had speculated.

Whether Sorokin is physically healthy or will be on the ice at the start of training camp, however, remains unclear for the time being.

The auditions and returns that’ll highlight the Islanders’ rookie camp

In the weeks leading up to training camp, it’s normal for teams to conduct informal practices, often called captain’s skates, without coaches present.

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Unlike camp itself, though, attendance is not mandated by the team — players often begin attending once arriving in town for the season.

After two straight seasons in which the third goaltender spot became a problem, the Islanders brought Long Island native and NHL veteran Keith Kinkaid to camp on a tryout contract.

Marcus Hogberg, who played with the Senators for parts of three seasons, was also signed during the offseason as a potential No. 3 goalie for the organization after putting up a .914 save percentage in the Swedish league last season.

The Islanders will formally begin training camp next Thursday.

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