Islanders Activate Mathew Barzal Ahead of Possible Season Debut

The Islanders activated Barzal on November 14, setting the stage for him to make his season debut against the Anaheim Ducks that night. The move came as the team placed Kyle MacLean on non-roster waivers.

Barzal had been drawing closer to a return in recent days. The Islanders also welcomed Matias Maccelli and Ryan Pulock back from injuries in a game in Los Angeles on November 12, bringing the team closer to having its full roster available for the first time this season.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s availability remained uncertain after sitting out the Islanders’ victory against Los Angeles because of an injury to his lower body. Calum Ritchie was likewise sidelined by a lower-body issue; he did not travel to California but had resumed skating in New York.

Barzal’s activation made his return possible within hours, though his appearance against Anaheim was not confirmed in the account.