Islanders give Mathew Barzal huge 8 year extension worth $73.2 million
Anthony Scultore
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The New York Islanders finally made some noise by signing forward Mathew Barzal to a massive eight-year contract extension on Tuesday.
Multiple reports state the deal is for $73.2 million for an average annual value (AAV) of $9.15 million.
Barzal, 25, was heading into the final season of a three-year, $21 million deal signed in January 2021. Last season, he registered 59 points 73 games and expressed his desire to stay with the Isles over the summer.
“I mean, if things go well, I’d love to play my career on Long Island,” Barza said on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. “I take a lot of pride in that. All my favourite athletes of all time — Michael Jordan, Sidney Crosby … Tom Brady’s in Tampa now, but for so long [was in New England]. That’s just a really cool thing.”
Islanders sign Mathew Barzal
The two-time All-Star has recorded 311 points (91 goals, 220 assists) in 362 regular season games since being drafted in the first round (16th overall) by the Islanders in 2015. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie in 2017-18.
According to Newsday’s Andrew Gross, the two sides had been negotiating for months trying to work on a deal before the season started. GM Lou Lamoriello wanted to get it done now because it would’ve been a distraction for Barzal and the team.
“I’m a fan because Mat has the ability to raise his game and to be a special player,” Lamoriello said. “And now, with this contract and our faith in him, (it) puts that responsibility on him. We’re trusting that. It’s up to him to respond to that.”
The British Columbia native has 38 points (13 goals, 25 assists) in 49 career playoff games.
“I love it here. I genuinely do.”
Mathew Barzal after signing his extension
The Islanders open the 2022-23 regular season at home against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 13.
–Field Level Media contributed to this article