Islanders place Mat Barzal on LTIR with lower-body injury

Some tough news on Long Island as the New York Islanders will be without star center Mat Barzal for four-to-six weeks with a lower-body injury. The team has placed Barzal on long term injured reserve. 

The Islanders are also dealing with defenseman Adam Pelech missing time, as he suffered an upper-body injury and will also be out four-to-six weeks. Meanwhile Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov are both considered day-to-day. The Islanders recalled Grant Hutton and Samuel Bolduc in a corresponding move. 

As for Barzal, he suffered the injury on Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, however he finished the game so many didn't feel it was initially serious. Turns out that was very wrong and the Islanders, who struggle to score goals, will have a tough hill to climb with their best weapon unavailable.

Barzal was off to a slow start this season, recording just two goals and three assists in 10 games. Pelech on the other hand, had four assists in 11 games and will be a huge hole to fill on their blue line.

As mentioned, Grant Hutton and Samuel Bolduc have been recalled from their AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders. Hutton has 2 assists in 9 games so far in the AHL, while Bolduc has 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points in 9 games.

Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images