Islanders announce a monster deal for Mat Barzal

This just in, the New York Islanders have signed forward Mathew Barzal to an eight year deal worth a reported $9.15 million per season.

Check it out:

From the Islanders' official press release announcement:

The New York Islanders announced today that Mathew Barzal has agreed to terms on an eight-year contract. 

Barzal, 25, recorded 59 points (15 goals, 44 assists) in 73 games in 2021-22 during his fifth NHL season with the Islanders. He tied for the team scoring lead, marking his fifth straight season atop the Islanders leaderboard in points.  

In 362 career regular season games with the Islanders, Barzal has 311 points (91 goals, 220 assists). He ranks 23rd on the Islanders all-time points list. The Coquitlam, BC, native has 38 career playoff points (13 goals, 25 assists) in 49 postseason games. Barzal represented the Islanders at two NHL All Star games (2019 and 2020) and won the fastest skater competition in 2020 in St. Louis (13.175 time).

There had been reports for months that Barzal's negotiations could become contentious, as he was intent on earning top dollar. Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello, of course, has his own way of doing business and is not afraid to ship a player out if he thinks he doesn't fit his team's culture. Just look at how he handled the likes of Scott Niedermayer and Martin Brodeur during his time with the New Jersey Devils. There were rumors that Barzal was unhappy with his situation in Long Island and would prefer to play elsewhere once his $7 million annual contract expired in the 2023 offseason. Now, he has committed to at least 9 seasons with the Islanders. Talk about an about face!

There were reports that the Coquitlam, BC native was interested in signing on with his hometown Vancouver Canucks or perhaps their new geographical rival the Seattle Kraken. As it is though Barzal will be a fixture on the Isles' top line for nearly a decade. And honestly... this is a great investment by the Islanders. Barzal may not be a top flight, bonafide superstar, but he's the kind of player you can build a team and an identity around. Excellent signing, if not a tad rich.