Hockey insider provides update on Mathew Barzal Holdout

The Mathew Barzal saga may be soon coming to an end on Long Island as it's being reported by TSN's Darren Dreger, the forward is on the training camp roster and could soon be signing his extension. Only one problem, Barzal's apparently wants north of $8 million and the Islanders have $3.95 in current cap space.

Interesting to see Mathew Barzal’s name on the Islanders camp roster. Contract discussions continue between Barzal and the Isles. He checked in. Had his physical, but can’t participate in a scrimmage without a contract. https://t.co/jT5wTegM2E

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 4, 2021

Islanders head coach gave the standard 'we can only coach who's here' routine during the media availability when camp opened on Sunday and you can't blame them. The team doesn't want it to be a distraction for training camp but then you wonder why the contract extension wasn't completed by now in the first place.

Barzal, 23, is coming off a season where he collected 60 points in 68 games and added another 17 points in 22 playoff games. There's no doubt he's the best player on the Islanders and if the team doesn't get him signed, their general manager should have to resign.

Photo credit: Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire