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New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy has announced that Mathew Barzal has been suspended for one game. As a result, the star center will miss the October 30 divisional matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes. Barzal’s eight points so far this season are currently tied for second-most in the team. Roy made the surprising announcement after Barzal showed up late to practice ahead of the matchup in Raleigh. The Hockey Home of Fame goalie claimed that he was forced to make the decision due to the “culture” at the club. Barzal is expected to return to the ice on October 31, when the Islanders face the Washington Capitals. “That’s the culture of our team,” explained Roy, as reported by the New York Post. “And we made the decision not to play him tonight. And Barzy’s not happy; he doesn’t feel good about it. He respects the decision; he understands it. He was really good about it.” “Like I said to him, it happened to me when I was in Colorado. Different way, but (I) missed a practice, missed two games. That’s the culture of our team; we believe in it. But he’s good about it. He’s very good about it.” Hockey Fans Mostly Support New York Islanders Coach in Mathew Barzal Situation Barzal is currently in the third season of his massive eight-year, $73.2 million contract. According to Spotrac.com, the center’s $9.15 AAV hit is the highest among all Islanders players. He earned the big payday after recording 59 points in 73 games throughout the 2021-22 NHL season. Despite Barzal’s salary and contribution to the team, Islanders fans are mostly backing Roy’s decision. Former Isles columnist Andy Graziano insists that Barzal should be benched to keep the team from turning into the Miami Dolphins. The NFL club has been called out by their own quarterback for a “lack of leadership.” Reporter Arthur Staple has even suggested that Barzal’s recent tardiness is likely not his lone infraction. If true, it appears probable that Roy was essentially forced to make the move or risk seeing younger players follow suit. However, Staple also warns that the head coach “better be right” in benching the star. Barzal, 28, is a respected veteran in the team and considered to be popular player in the clubhouse. Islanders Remain Long Shot to Make Playoffs The decision to bench Barzal likely will not affect New York’s season very much. Roy’s team is currently bottom of the Metropolitan Division with just nine points. According to Moneypuck.com, the Islanders have just a 29.3% chance of making the playoffs this season. New York previously hit the jackpot by winning the 2025 NHL Draft lottery, and subsequently grabbing standout Matthew Schaefer. The Isles are likely to be in contention in also winning the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes in 2026. McKenna is widely considered the top prospect in the next NHL draft.
