Mathew Barzal is ready to take the ice for the first time all season.
After missing the first 18 games of the season with left-knee inflammation, Barzal has been added to the active roster and head coach Peter DeBoer says he is in for Saturday's clash against the Anaheim Ducks.
Barzal will be on a minutes restriction for his season debut.
In a corresponding move, the Islanders have placed forward Kyle MacLean on non-roster waivers.
During the 2024-25 season, Barzal broke his kneecap and missed 52 games with multiple injuries. He played 81 games last season, but while training this summer, the 29-year-old reaggravated the injury. He missed training camp with the team and his ramp up has been closely monitored.
"It’s been probably the hardest journey of my life honestly," Barzal said of dealing with the injury.
"I think when you take away something that you love, that you’ve been doing since you were four years old and you’re unable to get on the ice and skate and play, feel like you don’t know what the future looks like, a lot of moments in the summer where there's a period things aren’t getting better. You don’t know if they're ever gonna get better.”
Barzal was the Islanders' points leader last season with 19 goals and 53 assists over 81 games.
The Islanders are 8-6-4 on the season as they head into a matchup against the Ducks on Saturday.
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