Long Island for the Long Haul 

Thursday was not the first training camp for Pierre Engvall, Scott Mayfield, Ilya Sorokin or Semyon Varlamov, but it was the first of many more after they signed long-term extensions with the team over the summer. 

Mayfield and Engvall signed seven-year deals, Varlamov inked a four-year pact and Sorokin signed an eight-year extension, set to kick in next season. Since they put pen to paper in the offseason, NewYorkIslanders.com caught up with them on the first day of training camp.

PIERRE ENGVALL:

“I'm really excited to be here for seven years,” Engvall said. 

Immediately upon arriving on Long Island in February, Engvall felt at home with his teammates. The Swedish forward recorded nine points (5G, 4A) in 18 games to end the regular season. 

“When I got traded I felt good from the beginning, especially with the group of guys we have here,” Engvall said. “It felt like the right choice for me to stay here, and staying with these guys felt like the best option for me.”

SCOTT MAYFIELD:

“All last year, I knew this is where I want to play. Especially with this group of guys. We have Sorokin and Varlamov in net, they give us a chance to win every night.”

Scott Mayfield is entering his 10th NHL season, all in an Islander uniform. The veteran defenseman is approaching the first year of the seven-year contract with the same mindset that earned him a long-term deal. 

“My mindset is the same,” Mayfield said. “Whether it’s a contract year or waiting for one, it doesn’t matter to me. I’ll show up, work hard, play my game and do everything I can to help the team.”

ILYA SOROKIN:

“I didn’t want to change anything,” Sorokin said. “I like the team, I like Long Island, I like the organization. When I signed my contract, I started to think about my game and what I could do better.”

Aside from having a connection with his teammates and the organization, the Vezina Trophy finalist said he appreciates the Long Island vibe and the proximity to the water.

“I like quiet clean streets,” Sorokin said. “I can walk every day on the beach and clear my mind.”

SEMYON VARLAMOV:

“The main goal this summer was to sign with the Islanders,” Varlamov said. “I had a great four years playing here before so it’s a good spot for me and my family.”

Semyon Varlamov expressed his love for the organization, wanting to stay on Long Island for as long as he could.

“I love the team and I want to be part of this team. The team is going in the right direction, and we have a chance to win.”