Mat Barzal Reveals What Really Led to His Healthy Scratch on Long Island
PUBLICATION
Tom Banks
November 1, 2025Â Â (4:38)
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Mat Barzal was a healthy scratch recently, and now, he’s revealed the disciplinary action that resulted in the move from the New York Islanders.
While the New York Islanders haven’t been perfect in 2025/26 thus far, this is a team that’s taken a major step forward, and behind No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer, this team has become one of the most enjoyable to watch in the National Hockey League.
One player that has benefitted from the influx of talent has been former top pick Mat Barzal, who has gotten back to his best this season, posting 2 goals and 8 points through 9 games thus far.
Mat Barzal Reveals Why He Was A Healthy Scratch
Recently however, the team had to discipline their top star, as they healthy scratched him for their last game after breaking one of the rules that new General Manager Mathieu Darche set in place ahead of training camp.
Now, the 28-year old has opened up on exactly what happened, taking responsibility for being late to the team bus, accepting his punishment and recognizing that it was him at fault here.
There was a set bus time and I wasn’t on it. I was there for the meetings and everything, but Mathieu had made clear at the start of camp: punctuality’s a big thing. He wants to set a culture here, as do all of the players.
So unfortunately, I was the first guy to have an alarm clock issue.
Clearly, Darche is trying to set a new culture, and while many had an issue with some of the rules set by Lou Lamoriello in his time with the Islanders, this is much more appropriate and effective, and you can bet that Barzal won’t be breaking rules again anytime soon.
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Mat Barzal Reveals What Really Led to His Healthy Scratch on Long Island
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