Semyon Varlamov (born 27.4.1988) is a Russian ice hockey goaltender. He has been playing in the NHL since 2008 and he has been played with Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche and New York Islanders (currently).
Early Career
Semyon Varlamov played two seasons (2004-06), with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl junior farm club Lokomotiv-2 in the Russian 3rd tied league (1st League). He moved to the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl first team in season 2006-07 and played 33 games in Russian Superleague (RSL) – RSL was later changed its name to the KHL. Varlamov was drafted 23rd overall in the 2006 NHL Draft by Washington Capitals and on 11.7.2007, he signed three-year contract with the Capitals – Varlamov played one more season with the Lokomotiv (2007-08). He played 44 games and helped Lokomotiv to reached RSL Finals.
Washington Capitals
On 11.7.2007, Varlamov signed three-year, entry-level contract with the Capitals. His first season with the Capitals was 2008-09, Varlamov played, for most part of season, with the Capitals minor league affiliate, Hershey Bears of the AHL. He was called up few times and on 13.12.2008, Varlamov played his first NHL game against Montreal Canadiens. Varlamov played two more seasons (2009-11) with the Capitals and he also played with Hershey Bears. Varlamov was first backup of Jose Theodore and after that rookie Michal Neuvirth took Theodore’s position. On 1.7.2011, Varlamov was traded to Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche and New York Islanders
Varlamov started season 2011-12 as the Avalanche’s starting goaltender. Varlamov and the Avalanche started season well, but a disastrous November put the club back to the bottom and Varlamov was often benched and replaced by veteran Jean-Sebastien Giguere. In season 2012-13, Varlamov started season in KHL with Lokomotiv Jaroslavl, because NHL lockout cancelling the start of NHL season. On 6.1.2013, NHL started again, but Varlamov struggled whole season and posted a career-worst stat (3.02 GAA and 90,3% save percentage). On 30.1.2014, Varlamov signed five-year contract extension with the Avalanche. On 1.7.2019, Varlamov signed four-year contract with the New York Islanders as a free agent. In 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, Varlamov became the first goaltender in Islanders history to record back to back shutouts in the playoffs. Varlamov and the Islanders were surprise of the playoffs and they went all the way to the Conference Finals, but then lost to Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2. Varlamov posted good stats in the playoffs (2.14 GAA and 92,1% save percentage).
International Play
Varlamov played two times in the IIHF World U18 Ice Hockey Championships (2005 and 2006) and also two times in World Junior Ice Hockey Championships (2006 and 2007). Varlamov and Russia won two silver medals in World Junior Ice Hockey Championships (2006 and 2007). Varlamov has won two medals in IIHF World Championships – Gold (2012) and silver (2010).