NY Islanders Mathew Barzal predicts big things from top pick Matthew Schaefer

The New York Islanders wasted little time ramping up the intensity at training camp, jumping into five-on-five scrimmage action early. For Mathew Barzal, it was a welcome return after missing much of last season due to injury.

“Felt good,” Barzal said. “It’s nice to just get back on the ice in a setting with some high compete and some physicality and five-on-five situations. It’s been a while for me, so it was good. I thought the whole group looked pretty solid.”

Barzal skated between longtime linemates Anders Lee and Kyle Palmieri, a trio that looked in sync from the start. “We’ve played with each other before,” Barzal said. “So I thought we played all right.”

For the first time since 2023, Barzal is back at his natural center position. “It was just literally two periods,” he noted. “But I feel like I’ve played it my whole life, so it’s kind of like riding a bike.”

Barzal also shared early impressions of the Isles’ newcomers. On Maxim Shabanov, the Russian winger brought over this summer, Barzal said: “He’s tough to check and he’s smart. I think he’s got a lot of potential.”

On Emil Heineman, acquired in the Noah Dobson trade, Barzal noted the forward’s grit. “He definitely brings that hard-nosed game. He’s annoying to be on the ice with from an opponent standpoint. He knows how to check, he’s a good skater, and he’s got some good scoring touch.”

But it was the Islanders’ first overall pick, Matthew Schaefer, who drew the biggest praise. “He looks great. Obviously a great skater. It’s crazy to think he’s only 18 years old,” Barzal said. “He’s going to be one of, if not the best defenseman in the league at some point—just based off his instincts right now. He’s got it.”

With veterans reestablishing chemistry and young talent making an impression, Barzal and the Islanders are off to an encouraging start in camp.