Semyon Varlamov joined the Islanders on July 1, signing a four-year deal worth $5 million per season — a large and perhaps surprising commitment to a 31-year-old goalie who finished last season as a backup for the Colorado Avalanche.



The Athletic caught up with Varlamov for a brief chat on his first full day on Long Island last week, after he had an informal workout at Northwell Health Ice Center.



You haven’t changed teams in a long time. Is the whole aspect of making this move — new team, new practice rink, new house — exciting for you?



I played for the Avs for eight years, eight incredible years. Switching teams is part of the business of the NHL, I’m fine with that. I’m really excited to become an Islander, my family’s excited. It’s a fresh start. I have to start everything from scratch. Met a couple guys today. The practice facility is unreal, nice atmosphere.



You also have to change something else...