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Mathew Barzal injury news opening the door for NY Islanders top prospect

ByJiggs Westfall
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Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Victor Eklund is selected as the 16th overall pick to the New York Islanders in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Victor Eklund is selected as the 16th overall pick to the New York Islanders in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

he Islanders entered training camp expecting Victor Eklund to have a chance to force his way onto the roster. Mathew Barzal's latest injury setback might have just made that chance a whole lot better.

Barzal is expected to remain off the ice for the next two weeks after aggravating a previous injury, the Islanders announced Wednesday. With the regular season beginning Sept. 30 in Toronto, that timetable puts his availability for opening night in serious doubt.

And there shouldn't be any reason to rush him.

Barzal played 81 games last season and led the Islanders with 72 points, but injuries limited him to just 30 games the year before. Getting him completely healthy matters considerably more than squeezing him into Game 1 of an 84-game season.

That brings Eklund into the conversation.

The 2025 first-round pick entered rookie camp already viewed as having a realistic opportunity to make the Islanders. He produced 10 points in nine games with Bridgeport late last season before recording an assist in his NHL debut. He was identified before the season as someone who could break camp with the Islanders, but it wouldn't be disappointing if he started in Bridgeport.

Eklund has done nothing during rookie camp to quiet that conversation. He's skated alongside Cole Eiserman, with Jay McKee praising his hockey sense, puck protection and "unlimited potential."

Now there's potentially an opening.

The Islanders don't need Eklund to replace Barzal. Nobody should expect a 19-year-old to replace a 72-point player. But Barzal's early absence could give Pete DeBoer a reason to keep Eklund around rather than automatically sending him to Hamilton for more development.

Give him preseason games against NHL players. Put him alongside established forwards. See whether his speed and creativity translate.

And if Eklund proves he belongs, let Barzal take whatever time he needs.

Sometimes a prospect needs an opening.

Eklund may have just gotten one.

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