Islanders miss start of training camp as Varlamov and Engvall sidelined

The New York Islanders opened training camp Thursday without goaltender Semyon Varlamov and winger Pierre Engvall because of injuries. Varlamov, who had knee surgery last season, has been skating on his own but was not ready to join the team, according to the club. With Varlamov sidelined, David Rittich will serve as the backup to Ilya Sorokin for now.

Engvall, who had hip surgery over the summer, will miss two to three weeks of practice, the Islanders announced. Given that timeline, it would be somewhat of a surprise if he is ready for the start of the regular season, though the team did not rule out a possible early return.

Engvall's absence from the early sessions leaves him with a steeper climb to earn a spot in the opening-night lineup. The forward had been in competition for a role in the Islanders' forward group, and missing the first weeks of camp could slow his chances.

Varlamov's absence also places extra emphasis on Sorokin, the team's clear No. 1 goalie, and on Rittich to absorb more workload as camp progresses. The club has not provided a timetable for Varlamov's return.

Training camp on Long Island began Thursday as part of the team’s preparations for the season. Officials did not disclose a specific comeback date for Varlamov or Engvall, but both situations will shape the Islanders' goaltending and depth plans in the early weeks.