Islanders React to Barzal Extension

After inking an
eight-year contract extension
on Tuesday, Mathew Barzal becomes the latest New York Islander to commit long-term to the franchise.
Last offseason, both Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock signed eight-year contracts to remain with the team, and in 2019, captain Anders Lee signed a seven-year contract while Brock Nelson signed a six-year contract.

"It's special," Pulock said. "It started a few years ago, with (Lee and Nelson), guys committing to spend their careers here. When you're a part of that, and you see that belief we have in here to be successful, guys want to stay here, guys want to win here. The fanbase, everything about it is special. To have a long-term contract, and to get (Barzal) signed long-term, I think the future here the next few years is really bright."
Many of the Islanders' veterans have played their entire careers with the Islanders, including Josh Bailey, who's 993 games are the third most in franchise history. With Barzal, who has led - or co-led - the team in scoring in each of the past five seasons, signing his new contract, the Islanders have their core pieces in place.

"He's a big part of our room and a huge part of our team," said Lee, whose been Barzal's linemate for stretches over the past four seasons. "It's great to see that he's going to be around for a long time coming and put his stamp on this organization. I'm really proud of him and happy for him."
Anthony Beauvillier and Barzal have been close friends since before they were drafted in 2015. Beauvillier, who signed a three-year extension of his own last offseason, expressed his excitement about Barzal's new deal and commitment to the team. In an Instagram story, he joked that Barzal will have to take him out for a few dinners.
"I'm so happy for him," Beauvillier said. "He's worked his whole life to get to this point. It was emotional when he told me, it's great. I'm happy for him, happy he's staying on the Island for another eight years. He deserves it, he's played unbelievable since the start of his career."
Lee often leads the end of practice stretch, but Wednesday, Barzal got that opportunity. With another nine years - including this season - ahead of him in blue and orange, it's far from the last.