Islanders Analyst Has Emphatic Update on Mathew Barzal Trade Rumors

Thursday, May 01, 2025

NY Islanders analyst calls Mat Barzal trade rumors "unfounded and untrue."

Mat Barzal trade rumors have had New York Islanders fans' shorts in a knot the past few days, after the possibility was floated by an Isles fan account. The three-time All-Star and former Calder Trophy winner only played 30 games this season due to injury, but the love from the Long Island fanbase is intense, and nobody wants to consider the possibility of a Barzal trade. Not the least of which is Russ Macias of NYI Hockey Now. 

Macias posted a scathing debunking of the rumors, which began after the departure of GM Lou Lamoriello, with whom Barzal was very close. He called the suggestion "unfounded and untrue" and called the fan account "non-sourced."

A new regime being hired solely to generate more fan interest is not going to trade the most exciting player on the team. Let alone one who has fiercely declared loyalty and love for this place and this organization on multiple occasions, especially when the team’s offense notably sank even lower without him.

The soon-to-be 28-year-old center still has six years to run on the 8-year, $9.15 million AAV deal he signed (with Lamoriello) in 2022. Unfortunately, since then, Barzal has missed 76 games, essentially a full season's worth, in the last three years. But in his full season of 80 games in 2023-24, he posted a career-high 23 goals, to go with 80 points. 

Has Barzal asked for a trade from the Islanders?

As Macias notes, not only has the speedy, exciting center not asked for a trade, but he has declared his dedication to the Islanders time and again, including during locker cleanout a couple of weeks ago:

“This is a great spot to play. We got a great organization from top to bottom. It’s high-class the way we’re treated.”

And on his teammates, and how badly he missed them during his 52-game absence this season:

“The boys are just… this is where I would come and laugh… I wouldn’t laugh all day, except when I was at the rink. This is probably when I was at my happiest, just being here.”

As Macias notes, "There’s no world where you can find his words indicating any feeling of wanting to leave this organization."

But... If another team did come calling, Barzal does hold a 22-team no-trade list, so even if a trade was on the table, he's got some say in the matter. 

Photo: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Go To: NFL Rumors | NBA Rumors | MLB Rumors