The New York Islanders missed the playoffs last year, partly due to a bevy of injuries. Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock, Noah Dobson, and Anthony Duclair all missed significant time . But there was no injury more impactful than Mathew Barzal, who played only 30 games before going down for the season. For 2025-26, the Islanders X-Factor is Barzal coming off the injury, not top-line center Bo Horvat.

Barzal blocked a shot on February 2 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, which hit his knee and required surgery. He said recently that he felt like he had a good offseason and was ready to begin training camp. Barzal played in the Islanders' first preseason game, playing over 22 minutes. The health should not be a concern as the season begins.

The Islanders made a trade at the 2025 NHL trade deadli

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