Mathew Barzal ready for fresh start back at center as NY Islanders open season

For the first time in nearly three seasons, New York Islanders All-Star Mathew Barzal is back where he feels most natural — down the middle.

The forward will return to his original position when the Isles open the 2025-26 season Thursday night in Pittsburgh, and he’s embracing the change. “I think it’s just a mindset of knowing I’m going to be in more battles down low in my own end,” Barzal said. “You’ve got to get lower in your zone instead of being a winger up high. But honestly, not much changes. Whether I’m on the wing or down the middle, I usually find myself in the middle of the ice. So it shouldn’t be too much of an adjustment."

Barzal has enjoyed success at center before — most notably during the Islanders’ back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup semifinals in 2020 and 2021. “That was the funnest hockey I’ve ever been a part of,” he said. “So much on the line, and I loved how much pressure you felt. I think it’s less about what I learned and more the thirst to want to get back there.”

After missing much of last season due to injury, Barzal said simply being healthy and playing again means everything. “I’m just thrilled to be back playing,” he said. “The last eight months, being hurt and all that — to be back with my teammates means a lot. I can’t wait.”

He’s expected to skate with Kyle Palmieri and Anders Lee. “Those guys go to work down low,” Barzal said. “They’re lethal goal scorers, so I’m just trying to get them the puck in good areas. Hopefully, they can get me the puck with some space and speed. I think it could be a great line.”

Barzal credited Bo Horvat for helping him refine his two-way game. “Bo’s just so solid all over the ice,” Barzal said. “His compete level is contagious — he brings it every night.” Now fully healthy, confident, and back at center, Barzal’s focus is simple: push the Islanders back toward the kind of meaningful hockey he craves most.