Barzal not focused on contract talks: 'It'll happen when it happens'

New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal isn't in a rush to discuss his contract with the current season still in limbo.

"I don't think there's been too much communication (with Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello), and not because there's anything negative or anything, it's just Lou's getting ready for a playoff run right now, and I'm still worried about this season as well," Barzal said, according to NHL.com's Brian Compton. "I'm not too too worried about it, just because I don't think the season is over yet. I think we're still going to be playing."

Barzal is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason. Lamoriello said in March that the Islanders are prepared to match any offer sheet given to the dynamic forward.

With the Islanders in the playoff picture, he is still anticipating having a chance to return to the ice this season. However, he does admit the ball is also in Lamoriello's court to get things rolling on working out an extension.

"There's bigger things we've got to worry about right now in terms of heading to the playoffs this year. But at the same time, whenever we're ready to sit down and get it done, I'd love for that to happen," Barzal added. "At the same time, I'm not a person that's just going to rush this thing or get nervous about it or whatever. I'm just going about my day, and it'll happen when it happens."

The 22-year-old, who was taken 16th overall in 2015, is in the final year of his entry-level contract. He's amassed 59 goals and 207 points in 234 games with the Islanders and took home the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie in 2017-18.