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last mo.

Mathew Barzal Shut Down for Two Weeks as Islanders Face Opening‑Night Uncertainty

Team testing found inflammation linked to a prior kneecap problem, prompting a controlled rehab timeline that could delay his return.

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FILE - New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) controls the puck in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, March 28, 2026, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)
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Overview

  • The Islanders announced on Wednesday that Barzal will not skate for two weeks because of an aggravation that has caused inflammation and he is actively rehabbing.
  • General manager Mathieu Darche said the two-week window might be slightly shorter but opening night on Sept. 30 is not guaranteed for Barzal.
  • The team provided no further medical specifics; reporting connects the issue to the left kneecap injury Barzal suffered on Feb. 1, 2025 that ended his 2024–25 season.
  • Barzal led the Islanders with 72 points in 2025–26, so his absence forces lineup changes, creates ice-time opportunities for players such as Calum Ritchie, and reduces the club’s scoring depth.
  • A shortened training camp and compressed preseason under the new CBA shrink rehab and evaluation time, raising the immediate competitive stakes for the Islanders in the early season.