The New York Islanders announced some big news this afternoon as forward Mathew Barzal will be shut down for two weeks, putting his availability for opening night on Sept. 30 and the games that follow in jeopardy:
“Mathew Barzal will not skate the next two weeks due to aggravation of a prior injury that has caused some inflammation. He is actively working to get back to full health. There is nobody more committed than Mathew to getting his body to the level where he thrives on the ice. We expect him to continue getting healthy and back in the lineup as soon as possible.” — New York Islanders
Barzal had told us at locker room cleanout day that he had been managing his knee all season after undergoing a season-ending minor procedure following a blocked shot on Feb. 1, 2025.
A month or so after the season ended, Barzal made Team Canada for the World Championships but left the tournament out of an abundance of caution:
“Due to precautionary reasons, Mathew Barzal will miss the remainder of the World Championship because of a minor pre-existing injury. He is expected to have a normal offseason and be ready for Training Camp.” — New York Islanders
Whether these things are related remains unknown, but the reality is that the Islanders’ most dynamic transitioner will be missing for at least two weeks.
So, what does the latest Barzal news mean for the Islanders as they prepare to hit the ice, even if he only has to miss a few regular season games?