NHL insider gives an update on a potential Mat Barzal return date for the NY Islanders

When the NY Islanders announced that Mat Barzal would be traveling with the team for the annual California road trip, there was optimism that the star forward would make his season debut in one of the three games. But after a report from David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, it appears we may have to wait a bit longer to see Barzal on the ice again.

While he might not be playing during the current road trip, Barzal could make his return when the Islanders next play at UBS Arena. “So it sounds like they’re eyeing next Tuesday, which is their next home game,” Pagnotta said on The DFO Rundown.

Barzal has been practicing in a full-contact jersey, recently suiting up in place of JG Pageau, who missed practice for a maintenance day. Playing center on the third line isn’t somewhere you’d expect Barzal to line up, which is an indication that he won’t be ready to go tonight against the Los Angeles Kings.

Barzal remains sidelined while dealing with complications following a knee injury suffered during the 2024-25 season. A blocked shot against the Tampa Bay Lightning in February of 2025 forced him to miss the remainder of the season. Despite the long layoff, Barzal appeared in 81 of 82 games last season, with his lone missed game being the result of a one-game suspension issued by the team.

We’ll see if Pagnotta’s report plays out or maybe we’ll see Barzal lace the skates up on Saturday for the final game of the road trip against the Anaheim Ducks.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow