Islanders' return to playoffs could hinge on healthy Barzal

The New York Islanders had a disastrous campaign in 2024-25 amid an outrageous rash of injuries. At one point, it seemed like everyone on the roster was on IR.

But the biggest loss was Mathew Barzal. Barzal went down multiple times during the year, with surgery ending his season prematurely. His loss was more than noticeable. It left a hole the size of the Grand Canyon in the middle of the Islanders’ lineup.

This season, Barzal appears to be ready to roll. Despite admitting he’s not completely healthy, at least to the point where he’d like to be, Barzal is mentally up for the challenge.

Daily Faceoff quoted Barzal’s conversation with Matt Larkin, stating:

“Injuries like this, you potentially never feel back at 100 percent. But mentally, I’m at a point now where it doesn’t really matter. If I’m feeling great, if maybe one day I’m a little sore or whatever, it is what it is. And I got six more years left on my contract right now, and I’m fully committed to just doing everything I can to be the best player I can be.”

That’s the sort of attitude the Islanders will need to get back to the playoffs this upcoming season. Daily Faceoff projects Barzal taking up the second-line center role behind Bo Horvat. That will be a crucial role for the Islanders as they will need as much offense as possible.

A healthy and productive Mathew Barzal could mean the difference between making it to the postseason and playing for a lottery pick.

Islanders could take advantage of regression by division rivals

The Metro Division looks stacked this upcoming season. The New York Islanders will be in tough against last season’s division champ, the Washington Capitals. However, there’s room to believe the Caps could regress this season. Alexander Ovechkin is a year older, and the club will be banking on the continued success of players like Tom Wilson, Jakob Chychrun, and Logan Thompson. If they struggled, it could be a tough season in DC.

Additionally, the Carolina Hurricanes, restocked and all, could face challenges of their own. Mainly, the goaltending situation seems somewhat precarious. If things don’t go right in the crease for the Hurricanes, it could be a long season.

Similarly, the New Jersey Devils could face issues of their own. While they have a solid team and potentially a fully healthy Jack Hughes, consistency will be their biggest challenge. If that becomes a problem, the Devils might have to battle just to lock up a playoff spot.

As for the rest of the division, the New York Rangers' aging core will be banking on one more kick at the can. If they falter, major changes could come on Broadway.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the verge of a rebuild, while the Philadelphia Flyers will be looking to take the next step in theirs. But neither seems poised to make a run at a playoff spot.

That leaves the Isles to battle with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Both clubs are in a similar situation. So, that could mean the Islanders and Blue Jackets may go head-to-head all season, battling for a playoff spot.

If the Isles remain mostly healthy, the Blue Jackets may not be able to match the Islanders’ overall skill level and depth. Isles fans hope that injuries won’t derail the club’s season, giving it a fighting chance to claim a playoff spot.