Islanders News: The gents have finally taken the ice

Today is the second full day (third overall) of training camp and, to our knowledge, Mathew Barzal remains unsigned. However, he is listed on the training camp roster and the feeling around the players and coaches does not indicate any worry about whether he will be under contract by the time the season starts.

I believe that Lou Lamoriello will have Barzal’s deal wrapped up by January 14, the night of the Isles’ first game. But Barzal cannot participate in training camp without a contract, so hopefully he would not be too rusty. I would imagine that, to that end, the coaches have been in contact with him, providing him with training exercises that mirror the on-ice team’s as much as is possible for one playing by himself.

Islanders News

• First and foremost, the NHL added start times to the official schedule. No late night games for the Isles this season. [LHH | NHL]
• When camp opened, the Islanders, unlike every other team, did not publish an official roster, furrowing a few eyebrows. That and other observations from Day 1. [The Athletic]
• Yesterday, though, just before the Isles took the ice for the first time in 2021, the official training camp roster dropped, with Barzal and his ‘B’ last name near the top of the alphabetical list. [Islanders]
• Unfortunately, as noted above, Barzal could not join the on-ice activities yesterday. But the coaches and players prepared themselves for this. Also, look for Dmytro Timashov to crack the top-12, based on Barry Trotz’s comments in this piece. [The Athletic]
• A staple of the last six years, the retired Johnny Boychuk’s name absented from that roster. But his former teammates still love him to death and miss his presence. [Islanders]
• VIDEO: Andrew Gross and his soothing voice provide an overview of the first day’s attendance. [Newsday]
• The first on-ice day of camp mostly involved checking in on the boys’ conditioning, with which Trotz took satisfaction. [Islanders]
• In light of their success in the bubble, Trotz believes his squad is well-prepared for the shortened season. [Newsday]
• VIDEO: If you do not believe me, listen to the man himself! [Islanders]
• The Islanders understand that the upcoming condensed season will require strong conditioning and that every game matters. [Islanders]
• Fueled by their surprise run to the Eastern Conference Final, the Islanders find motivation through the high expectations they now have of themselves. [Islanders | NY Post]
• Cal Clutterbuck admits that a few of his left-hand digits remain numb from the laceration he suffered last season. [Newsday | NYI Hockey Now]
• The fellas enjoyed having off for the autumn months and especially the holidays, relishing the time with their families and their outdoor rinks. [Islanders]
• If you lack free time, Dom provided almost all of this information in a quick, handy article last night. [LHH]

AHL Season Notes

• In the AHL, three teams opted out of the 2021 season: the Charlotte Checkers, the Milwaukee Admirals, and the Springfield Thunderbirds. Four more will play out of their NHL teams’ practice facilities. [AHL]
• Which means that the Sound Tigers will play in a three-team division this season, joined by the baby Rangers and the baby Bruins. [CT Post]
• Another old friend, J-F Berube, resurfaced in the AHL, signing a deal with the Ontario Reign. After all that, he returns to the Kings’ organization. [AHL]

Beyond Northwell Health Ice Center and the AHL

• As you may have heard, Pierre-Luc Dubois requested a move out of Columbus shortly after signing with the Blue Jackets. His request, and that of fellow 2016 top-3 pick Patrik Laine, will surely test the GMs in charge of them, according to a few anonymous league executives. [The Athletic]
• I think this has been posted in Bits already, but old friend Travis Hamonic will stay in Western Canada, joining Canucks camp on a PTO that will likely beget a one-year deal. [NHL]
• Golden Knights prospect Jermaine Loewen co-authored a children’s hockey book dealing with race, diversity, inclusion, and kindness. [Color of Hockey]
• Legendary coach John Muckler passed away at the age of 86 yesterday. Best wishes to his family and the hockey lives he touched. [Oilers]