NHL
Mathew Barzal Returns to Islanders Practice in Noncontact Jersey
Barzal joined team drills for the first time this season, alongside Ryan Pulock and Matias Maccelli. Their return timetables have not changed.
Mathew Barzal joined New York Islanders practice Wednesday for the first time this season, wearing a red noncontact jersey as he works back from left knee inflammation.
Barzal took part in the opening rush and flow drills at Northwell Health Ice Center, according to the Islanders’ official practice report. Coach Pete DeBoer said there was no change in the timetable for Barzal or the two other injured players who returned to those drills.
Defenseman Ryan Pulock and forward Matias Maccelli also practiced in red jerseys. Pulock sustained an upper-body injury against Minnesota on October 29. Maccelli suffered a lower-body injury against Toronto on October 17 and was placed on injured reserve. Both had previously been given two-to-four-week estimates.
Barzal has not made his season debut. He led the Islanders with 72 points, including 19 goals and 53 assists, in 81 games last season, according to the NHL’s Wednesday status report.
The Islanders host Carolina on Thursday at 7 p.m. EST. Wednesday’s noncontact work is a recovery step, rather than clearance for Barzal to play; neither report supplies a confirmed return date.
