Yesterday was a big day for the New York Islanders. Their franchise player committed to them for almost another decade, which is much more consequential than the fact that the Islanders pulled out a road preseason win in overtime.
Mathew Barzal, who spent most of his summer on Long Island singing its praises, will officially remain on Long Island for the next nine years after signing an eight-year extension. It’s welcome news for a franchise not used to its star players sticking around. Perhaps having this out of the way allows Barzal to thrive.