His best season came in 2013-14 when he posted a 41-14-6 record, had a 2.41 GAA and a .927 save percentage. His 41 wins led the league that season. The Samara, Russia native was the runner-up in voting for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the goalie adjudged to be the best at this position and named to the NHL Second All-Star Team.
A selection of the Washington Capitals in the first round (23rd overall) in the 2006 NHL Draft, Varlamov has an overall record of 213-169-50, a 2.68 GAA and a .916 SV% in 448 career games with the Capitals and Avalanche.
Varlamov started his pro career with the Capitals' American Hockey League affiliate, the Hershey Bears. He played in 33 games with Hershey over a three-year span and finished with an overall record of 24-8-2.
Internationally, Varlamov has represented Russia at three World Championships (2010, 2012, 2013) and the World Junior Championship in 2007 where he had a 5-1 record, helping Team Russia to a silver medal.