IMAGN
Oct 12, 2026 6:09 PM
As recovery from knee inflammation intensifies, the sidelined playmaker increases his skating workload. While New York navigates his absence, cautious optimism builds for a healthy return without setbacks.
EAST MEADOW, NY -- New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal has been ramping up his skating over the last few days as he works his way back from left knee inflammation stemming from his previous injury.
"He skated again this morning," Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer said on Monday afternoon. "He's going a little bit harder every day, he told me. We'll keep crossing our fingers."
The Islanders are 2-3-0 without Barzal through the first five games, but that's no reason to rush the 28-year-old forward back into the lineup.
What they can't afford is for him to have a setback, but so far, so good since he returned to skating last Thursday morning after being shut down when training camp opened.
At this time, there is no timetable for when he can rejoin the team for practice or return to the lineup.
But, he is taking strides, figuratively and literally, in the right direction.
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