The Islanders announced yesterday afternoon that they have signed young star Mat Barzal to an 8-year, 73.2 million dollar contract extension.
This is absolutely incredible news for Islanders fans, happy to see Barzal locked up for nearly the next decade. 9.15M AAV is a contract that many Islanders fans are content with.
Quotes:
Barzal: “I love it here. I genuinely do.”
"I absolutely love the fans here...They're seriously so unique. They're one of a kind. It's like everyone is just such a diehard Islander fan. I love it...and I've felt the support the last six years..."
“I genuinely (love it here). I think anyone who plays here knows that it’s one of the top places to play in the league. From the practice rink we have, UBS (Arena), the boys in the room, Lou being here, a fresh coaching staff, the city itself — the lifestyle is elite."
GM Lou Lamoriello:
“I'm a fan because Mat has the ability to raise his game and to be a special player. And now, with this contract and our faith in him, (it) puts that responsibility on him. We're trusting that. It's up to him to respond to that."
GM Lamoriello added that it was important to him to get the deal done before the season started because he would have worried it would have become a distraction for Barzal. Lamoriello said the conversations were friendly and positive through, both sides negotiated for approximately two months.
Career Stats:
2016-17 — 2GP, 0P
2017-18 — 82GP, 22G, 63A, 85P
2018-19 — 82GP, 18G, 44A, 62P
2019-20 — 68GP, 19G, 41A, 60P
2020-21 — 55GP, 17G, 28A, 45P
2021-22 — 73GP, 15G, 44A, 59P