And on Monday - after Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello had shut down speculation about Sorokin's health by saying he suffered a minor injury during summer training and wouldn't miss more than a few days of training camp - coach Patrick Roy inadvertently revealed that Sorokin had, in fact, undergone back surgery.
«So the surgery he had for his back, it's not the perfect thing, but I do think he'll be fine. I do believe we have such a good medical staff. They'll take care of him. They'll make sure when he's ready, he'll help us.»
After a follow-up question was cut off, Roy sheepishly said, «Oh, sorry.»
An Islanders spokesman quickly shut down follow-up questions relating to the operation and Sorokin's agent, Dan Milstein, declined comment.
- Ethan Sears