NY Islanders Star Mathew Barzal Set to Represent Canada at 2026 IIHF Worlds

For Mathew Barzal, this summer will not only be about golf and playing the guitar.

Barzal is set to represent Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland from May 15 through May 31, marking his third appearance at the tournament and his first since 2022. While he was never viewed as a likely lock for Canada’s loaded Olympic roster, the World Championship still gives him an opportunity to showcase his game in a best-on-best style environment and continue his strong history in international competition.

And historically, Barzal has been excellent whenever he’s worn the maple leaf.

In two previous World Championship appearances in 2018 and 2022, the New York Islanders forward has totaled 15 points, including 13 assists. During the 2022 tournament, Barzal recorded seven assists in 10 games as Canada captured a silver medal. Before that, he also starred for Canada at the World Juniors, posting 11 points across the 2016 and 2017 tournaments while helping the team earn silver in 2017.

The timing feels especially good for Barzal after another productive NHL season. The Coquitlam, British Columbia native led the Islanders with 72 points, including 53 assists, giving him his third career season with at least 50 helpers. Even with the ups and downs of New York’s year, Barzal once again proved he remains the engine that drives the offense.

The tournament will also feature a few other Islanders connections. Simon Holmstrom and Emil Heineman are expected to represent Sweden, while Islanders prospect Danny Nelson will skate for Team USA.

For Islanders fans, it makes the World Championship a little more interesting this year. And for Barzal, it’s another chance to remind hockey fans just how dangerous his game can look in an international tournament built around speed and skill.

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