Why Barzal's Message To The Fan Base Was So Important
Mathew Barzal took to Instagram to share what has been on his mind.
New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal could not catch a break in 2024-25.
Due to two separate injuries, Barzal only suited up for 30 games, recording 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) over that span.
His first injury occurred against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 30 after he and Yegor Chinakov collided inside Columbus’ zone, forcing him out of the lineup for 21 games.
He then took a Darren Raddysh slapshot off the left kneecap on Feb. 1, missing the remaining 31 games of the season.
You could tell at his end-of-the-season presser that he was frustrated, and rightfully so. But he also made it clear that not only is he looking forward to being back to begin the 2025-26 season, but he’s going to work harder than ever.
“[I’m going to work] even harder than what I've done in the past. I just really want to persevere through this. I love the game. I love being around my teammates, and this is kind of everything to me. So to not be able to play as many games as I missed it sucks mentally and physically. So, yeah, I think my drive to get back to the player I was, coming into camp last year, is at an all-time high.”
On Friday, Barzal posted a message on Instagram to the fan base:
“It’s frustrating when you give everything to the game and end up on the sidelines most of the year. Two injuries, both at times I felt we were finding our stride as a group. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by great teammates and staff who helped me through it all! Full confidence we will bounce back. Thank you guys for the unwavering support!”
The fans needed this. And Barzal delivered.
On the outside, it may look like a few sentences, and that’s all. But, when a player takes time out of their day, especially a star like Barzal, to acknowledge the fan base, that means everything.
We are at a weird time with the organization. There’s so much hype after winning the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery, but still so many question marks regarding what executives will be running the franchise with one of the most critical offseasons on the horizon.
Regardless of who becomes No. 1 or replaces Lou Lamoriello, Barzal’s importance to the franchise's overall success remains critically high.
The team needs him back. The fans need him back. And he will be back.
While giving oxygen to rumors is never the best thing, I do think this is important to bring up.
A few weeks ago, someone on social media started a rumor that Barzal was unhappy on Long Island. It came out right after the decision to move on from Lou, a person Barzal respects and admires.
I actually asked Barzal at his end-of-the-season presser about playing on Long Island and why players always want to stay:
"This is a great spot to play. We got a great organization from top to bottom. It's high class the way we're treated. So, I can't blame [anyone that wants to be back]."
Unfortunately, many people thought that the quote meant nothing since it came before the Lou news — not after.
While Barzal’s Insta post didn’t exclusively say he loved being on Long Island, it certainly illustrated that his focus is on being back and helping this team win, not that he wanted out, which shouldn’t have been believable for a second.
We, the media, serve as the messenger to the fans. As you read a handful of paragraphs up, Barzal already talked about his industry with us. He didn’t have to post about it.
But he did it because he cares. He wants to win for himself, his teammates, and the fans, and he constantly mentions you guys during media availability.
It was a focal point of his interview when he signed his eight-year extension.
“Well, first thing, I absolutely love the fans here. Genuinely, they’re seriously so unique. They’re one of a kind. It’s like everyone is just such a diehard Islander fan. I love it, and we feel the support, and I’ve felt the support the last six years, and I think if it was different, maybe my mindset would have been different through the negotiations. But seriously, like they’ve given me so much love and support, and that played a huge part in it.”
We expect Barzal to be 100% ready to go when training camp opens and hopefully, his freak injury fiascos are behind him as he enters year three of his eight-year deal.
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Wow didn’t know Matthew Schaffers Mom died of Breast Cancer recently. His Billet Mom also died of suicide. Both very very tough situations for a young man. He got ill with Mono and broke his collarbone going to the net in WJC. Kid played fantastic when health! I can see why he is number one rated player. His on ice skills are undeniable, but just as impressive is this young man’s character. Islanders don’t pass on the kid for a million reasons. He has that IT factor to go along with everything else. Islanders on The Clock should take about 10 seconds to select him.
Barzel is critical to the success of this organization. He is a dynamic playmaker. He needs to be surrounded by more talent, and he is going to be. What he needs to do is become a better shooter. Spend the Summer with Adam Oates get out of your comfort zone, and be challenged. He saw what Oates has done for Lee and Horvat’s game. Barzel loves NYC and Long Island. I hope we are seeing a maturating Matt Barzel, who isn’t only relying on his physical skills. Maybe he wants more, and that’s a good thing. With an Eiserman on his left side, and more offensive talent on the team he can finally tap into his full potential. A more hungry focused matured Barzel is what I believe we are going to see the next six years. He has really been on auto pilot for many years, he needs to train differently and think differently. It’s called growing up and wanting more success, recognition, and respect.