Barzal progressing but still has no return timetable, Darche says
The Islanders centre is skating on his own as he works back from left knee inflammation.
Mathew Barzal continues to skate individually as he recovers from left knee inflammation, but the New York Islanders still cannot set a date for his return. General manager Mathieu Darche gave the update at UBS Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Barzal has missed New York’s first nine games of the season and has yet to join a team practice. Darche said the recovery has advanced without a setback, with the inflammation reduced and work continuing on the forward’s strength and comfort on the ice.
The next step is a return to skating with teammates. Darche said Barzal and the medical staff are working together on his readiness, and the club will not accelerate the process despite the absences of Cal Ritchie and Matias Maccelli.
Ritchie and Maccelli sustained lower-body injuries against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 17, according to the Islanders.
