Mathew Barzal missed the start of New York Islanders training camp due to left knee inflammation, though general manager Mathieu Darche stated the top-six forward could return by the Sept. 30 season opener in Toronto. According to coach Pete DeBoer, Barzal was kept off the ice for a two-week management window stemming from an injury initially sustained during the 2024-25 season.
Mathew Barzal Knee Injury Status and Training Camp Absence
Barzal’s current absence stems from the left kneecap injury he suffered blocking a shot on Feb. 1, 2025, an issue that required surgery. According to Mathieu Darche, the team has managed the recurring inflammation for over a year. The 29-year-old forward played 81 games last season, recording 19 goals and 53 assists, while entering the fourth season of an eight-year, $73.2 million contract.
“It’s something that we’ve been managing for over a year,” Mathieu Darche said. “Every now and then there’s some inflammation. Just over the summer, as he ramped up, there was a bit more inflammation. So we just want to make sure that we control it.”
Semyon Varlamov Returns from Double Knee Replacement Surgeries
While Barzal remained sidelined, 38-year-old goaltender Semyon Varlamov drew significant attention by participating in the opening day of camp at Northwell Health Ice Center. According to Semyon Varlamov, he is feeling 100% after undergoing two partial knee replacement surgeries that kept him out of NHL game action since Nov. 29, 2024. Varlamov tested his recovery by appearing in two American Hockey League games late last season.
“It’s a long process I had to go through physically and mentally, there were a lot of ups and downs, a lot of setbacks,” Semyon Varlamov said. “I’m finally feeling good and feeling 100% on the first day of training camp.”
Health Updates for Kyle Palmieri, Pierre Engvall, and Defensemen
The Islanders received positive health updates across the rest of the roster as training camp opened. Forwards Kyle Palmieri and Pierre Engvall, along with defensemen Alexander Romanov and Ryan Pulock, all skated without issue. Palmieri and Romanov both recovered from season-ending injuries suffered in November, while Engvall missed all of last season due to hip and ankle issues.
Did you know? Semyon Varlamov is entering the final season of a four-year, $11 million contract, looking to provide reliable backup minutes behind fellow Russian goaltender Ilya Sorokin.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Islanders’ season opener?
The Islanders open the regular season on Sept. 30 in Toronto.
What caused Mathew Barzal’s knee inflammation?
According to Mathieu Darche, the inflammation stems from the left kneecap injury Barzal suffered when blocking a shot on Feb. 1, 2025.
How long has Semyon Varlamov been out of the NHL?
Semyon Varlamov has not played in an NHL game since Nov. 29, 2024, following two partial knee replacement surgeries.
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