Projecting The Islanders' Lineup With Mathew Barzal Back: Who Plays Where & Why?

Mathew Barzal's return is near. We project the Islanders' lineup, his ideal linemates, potential roster moves and where he fits on the power play.

PHOTO: Dennis DaSilva / New York Islanders

Mathew Barzal’s return is coming. Will he make his season debut against the Anaheim Ducks tonight?

No, probably not. He’ll likely make his first appearance Tuesday night at UBS Arena against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

But it’s still worth diving into what the New York Islanders’ lineup could look like when Barzal returns.

As we saw with Matias Maccelli on Thursday in the Islanders’ 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings, the Islanders could start Barzal in a bottom-six role to ease him back in.

Now, if Jean-Gabriel Pageau (lower body) has to miss his second straight game, playing Barzal at third-line center is certainly on the table.

However, let’s focus on the ideal lineup with Barzal aboard, assuming—yes, I know what happens when you assume—Pageau is good to go, at least by Tuesday night.

Here’s how I’d construct the Islanders’ forward lines: