NY Islanders forward Mat Barzal has withdrawn from the IIHF World Championships with a pre-existing injury

After ending the 2025-26 season disappointingly, Mathew Barzal was expected to continue playing hockey this summer, named to Team Canada for the 2026 IIHF World Championship. With Canada's tournament opener scheduled for Friday against Sweden, Barzal has withdrawn from the tournament due to a pre-existing injury.

The NY Islanders are calling Barzal's sudden withdrawal a precautionary measure and that he is expected to have a normal off-season schedule and will be ready for Training Camp.

A native of Coquitlam, BC, Barzal was set to play for his country for the third time at the World Championship, recording two goals and 13 assists in 19 games in his two previous outings, earning a Silver Medal in 2022.

One of the story lines surrounding Barzal entering this tournament was his reunion with former Islanders captain John Tavares. The two played one season together, where Barzal registered 85 points (22 G, 63 A) in his rookie campaign - one point more than Tavares (84), on the road to being awarded the Calder Trophy. That summer, Tavares packed his bags for his hometown, signing for the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent. After joining the Leafs, Tavares spoke of Barzal, not calling him by name, but "The kid who won the Calder."

Barzal finished tehhe 2025-26 season with 72 points (19 G, 53 A), his third highest total in his career.

While losing Barzal will be a big blow for the Canadians, they've already named a replacement, as Sidney Crosby will once again line up donning the Maple Leaf across his chest.

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