Islanders Mat Barzal undergoes procedure on kneecap with return timeline murky

SAINT PAUL, Minn.— Mat Barzal underwent a minor procedure on his left kneecap Thursday, per The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, that will take roughly six weeks from which to recover.The six-week timetable, though it could vary, would actually be relatively good news for the Islanders if it aligns with Barzal’s return to play.

Coach Patrick Roy was unable to guarantee Barzal would be back by the end of the regular season when asked last week.Six weeks from now would be in late March.However, it’s not known whether a six-week recovery equates to a six-week timetable for a return.Barzal has not yet been placed on long-term injured reserve, which would allow the Islanders an extra $9.15 million of salary cap space ahead of the trade deadline.

He was placed on injured reserve ahead of the trip to Winnipeg and Minnesota, which gave the Islanders a roster spot to activate Hudson Fasching.If Barzal won’t be ready until after the regular season, the extra space would allow Lou Lamoriello to go big-game hunting at the trade deadline without needing to match salaries.If the Islanders — who by all indications are not yet looking into selling despite being out of the playoff picture — are going to try and win this season, then trying to replace Barzal’s offense would be a logical step to take.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Without Barzal — who missed time with an upper-body injury earlier this season — the Islanders are without their best skater and most dynamic player.

Though No.13 was not the best version of himself this season when healthy, there has been a marked hole in the top line just in the last week since the injury occurred.There is nobody on the roster who brings what Barzal brings...