Ilya Sorokin underwent offseason back surgery, Islanders coach Patrick Roy inadvertently revealed during a media session at the team’s charity golf outing on Monday.
General manager Lou Lamoriello had previously said Sorokin only had a minor upper-body injury that could keep him out for a few days of training camp, but that there were no worries for the season.
Roy was asked whether there were concerns about Sorokin’s health or level of play entering camp.
Instead of sticking to the company line — general manager Lou Lamoriello said earlier this week that Sorokin had a minor upper-body injury — the head coach made an offhand mention of the goaltender undergoing back surgery.
The timing of the surgery was not clear, as an Islanders spokesman cut off a follow-up question.
Sorokin suffered his worst NHL season last year, losing the starting job before the playoffs and getting pulled from his only playoff start.
Bouncing back is absolutely critical for the Islanders as Sorokin starts an eight-year, $66 million contract this season.
