New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal was held to just 30 games in 2024-25 due to two long-term injuries, the latter ending his season.

On Oct. 30, a hard hit inside the Columbus Blue Jackets Blue line from Yegor Chinakov led to Barzal having to be flown back to Long Island for further testing. 

He missed 21 games with that injury. 

Then on Feb. 1, Barzal blocked a Darren Raddysh slapshot off the left kneecap, missing the remaining 31 games of the season. He underwent a minor procedure, per The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, and was unable to practice with the team before the regular season came to a close.

On The ForePlay Pod, which dropped on Tuesday, Barzal provided an update on his recovery. 

"I haven't been skating as much as I usually do in the summer," Barzal said. "Right now, just coming off my injury, it's fully healed and everything, and I'm feeling solid, but I still got some time, "I'm using the time that I have, right? It's been hard not getting on the ice every single day and having to go out and stickhandle in my flip-flops."

Barzal said in his end of the season interview that he'll be ready to go for training camp, with general manager Mathieu Darche backing that claim. 

No. 13 is smart to use the time he has, with training camp not opening up until mid-September.

If the Islanders are going to accomplish anything in 2025-26, they are going to need Barzal healthy, especially since he's moving back to center, where his explosive, shifty skating will be even more important. 

Barzal recorded 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) in 30 games last season, averaging 20:21 minues per game, which was a career high. 

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