New York Islanders Sign Mathew Barzal to Big Extension

Mathew Barzal will remain with the New York Islanders for a long time, as he has signed a massive eight-year, $73.2 million ($9.15 million AAV) contract.

Barzal was set to enter the final season of his contract. Although he would have been an RFA had a new contract not been reached, the Islanders knew that it was very important to extend Barzal sooner rather than later. Thus, the 2015 first-round pick now has gotten his big payday and will continue to be the Islanders' top center for several more years.

Barzal scored 15 goals and recorded 59 points in 73 games last season. As a team that lacks offense, getting him locked up was essential, and now they have done just that. In 362 career NHL games, he has 91 goals to go along with 311 points.