The New York Islanders will begin training camp without star forward Mathew Barzal on the ice after he aggravated a pre-existing injury that has caused additional inflammation. The team announced Wednesday that Barzal is expected to remain off the ice for two weeks while he works toward returning to full health.

The timing creates uncertainty around Barzal's availability for the start of the 2026-27 season. New York opens its regular-season schedule on Sept. 30 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, around two weeks after the injury update.

Speaking on the first day of camp, General manager Mathieu Darche revealed that Barzal remains in consideration for opening night, but the Islanders are taking a cautious approach.

“We said two weeks, whether it's 12 days or 13 days, we just said two weeks,” he explained. “He still has a chance for Opening Night — is it guaranteed? No, it's not, we're playing the long game to make sure it's something we manage.”

The current issue is connected to the lower-body injury Barzal suffered during the 2024-25 season after blocking a shot. That problem eventually ended his season, with Barzal missing the final 31 games. New York managed the injury during the 2025-26 campaign, allowing him to play 81 of 82 regular-season games.

“Every now and then there was some inflammation,” said Darche. “Over the summer as he ramped up there was a bit more inflammation so we just want to make sure we control it — it's nothing new, it's just something we have to control.”

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Given what Barzal brings to the lineup, his status is especially important for the Islanders. The 29-year-old led New York with 72 points last season, finishing with 19 goals and 53 assists.

The injury will also keep Barzal out of the Islanders' preseason schedule, which begins Sept. 20 and concludes Sept. 26, based on the two-week timeline provided by the team. With limited time remaining before the regular-season opener, Barzal could have little opportunity to prepare on the ice before New York begins its schedule.

Barzal was also being considered for a role at center, although the Islanders have other options available. With veteran center Brayden Schenn on the roster, Barzal had been expected to spend plenty of time on the wing, including a potential spot alongside Schenn. During training camp, New York will give Calum Ritchie an opportunity to center the second line.

The Islanders are entering head coach Peter DeBoer's first full season after he took over with four games remaining last season. New York's objective is to return to the playoffs, making Barzal’s health an important factor as the team prepares for the new campaign.