New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal had been absent from training camp all week ... until Saturday. Barzal arrived to training camp after agreeing to a three-year, $21 million extension with the Islanders, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.
Year 1 includes $1 mil signing bonus, $3 mil salary. AAV $7 mil. https://t.co/ewYwbcUxmp
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 9, 2021
Dreger adds that Barzal wanted a six-year extension, but the Islanders couldn't clear enough cap space to make that happen.
Following Saturday's practice, the 23-year-old told reporters he didn't want to play for anyone else but the Islanders.
Mathew Barzal says there was never anywhere else he wanted to be than with the #Isles
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) January 9, 2021
Barzal, who was drafted 16th overall in 2015, has been a huge contributor to New York's offense. The 23-year-old has notched 207 points (59 goals, 148 assists) in 234 regular-season games. In 30 playoff games, he has 24 points (seven goals, 17 assists).
When his current contract expires, Barzal will become a restricted free agent.
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