What happened: Mathieu Darche said Mathew Barzal still has a chance to be ready for opening night after New York opened training camp without him Thursday. The absence is tied to the left kneecap injury he suffered two seasons ago, and the knee flared again over the summer and in recent weeks. The current plan keeps him off the ice for about two weeks.

Why it matters: Barzal played 81 games last season while managing the same issue, so the key question is whether the Islanders can keep it under control into the regular season. Any delay would reshape New York's early center mix around <a href='https://wire.report/article/barzal-duclair-appear-together-on-us-open-blue-carpet-2026-09-14'>Mathew Barzal</a> and Bo Horvat as camp moves toward the opener.

What to watch: The next marker is when Barzal resumes skating with the main group. His workload late in camp will show whether opening night is realistic or whether the Islanders need another short-term adjustment down the middle.