Mathew Barzal commits to the New York Islanders with a blockbuster eight-year $73.2m contract extension as the star center claims it is a day he ‘is never going to forget’
Mathew Barzal has committed himself to being a star player for the New York Islanders for a long time to come.
The superstar center has signed an eight-year contract extension worth $73.2 million. The deal kicks in after this season, and will see Barzal pocket an average of $9.15 million annually.
The deal means Barzal will stay with the team that drafted him through what will be his prime years with a contract that will not expire until 2031.
Mathew Barzal has committed himself to being a star player for the New York Islanders
‘It’s one of those days you’re never gonna forget,’ Barzal told reporters.
‘Called my parents last night when I got done. Anytime your mom’s got a tear in her eye, you either did something really good or something really bad.’
Barzal’s commitment helps the Islanders greatly in terms of reestablishing themselves as an attractive location for future free agents. Ever since John Tavares departed the team in 2018 the Islanders have missed out on a number of their top free agent targets.
Barzal’s commitment helps the Islanders become an attractive destinations for free agents
During Tuesday’s conversation, Barzal took some time to praise both the organization, as well as the area when discussing why he chose to remain an Islander.
‘I love it here. I genuinely do,’ Barzal said. ‘I think anyone that plays here knows, I think it’s one of the top places to play in the league.’
‘From the rink we have, the practice rink, UBS [Arena], the boys in the room, Lou [Lamoriello] being here, fresh coaching staff and the city itself, 30 minutes from New York City, the lifestyle is elite.’
Negotiations began two months ago between his agent and Lou Lamoriello, team president
‘I’ve loved it here. Literally every minute. There’s really no other place I’d rather be.’
According to Barzal, negotiations started about two months ago between his agent and Lou Lamoriello, the team’s president.
At the start of training camp, Barzal said that he was willing to negotiate during the season, but both sides had expressed interest in having a deal done before October 13.
Barzal now joins Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock as the only members of the Islanders signed through 2029, a list he hopes the team can add more players to.
Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech (3) defends a shot from New Jersey Devils’ Jack Hughes
Barzal joins Pelech and Ryan Pulock (6) as only members of the Islanders signed through 2029
‘Hopefully we can get some more guys locked in in the next couple years and just ride with this group,’ Barzal said.
‘I feel confident. I think anytime you go to war with guys that are your best buddies and in your bachelor parties and at your weddings, you want to win for each other. And that bond, I feel like we have a real strong bond here.’
‘I can’t wait to spend the next eight years with these guys. Hopefully we can win and have that and bring that [Stanley Cup] home. Bring that back to Long Island.’
