Islanders re-sign Barzal to reported 3-year deal with $7M AAV

The New York Islanders finally came to terms with Mathew Barzal on Saturday.

The star forward inked a three-year contract, reports The Athletic's Arthur Staple. Barzal will earn $4 million this season, $7 million in 2021-22, and $10 million the following campaign for an average annual value of $7 million, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

"Now being paid a substantial amount, I know consistency's a huge thing," Barzal said, according to The Associated Press' Stephen Whyno. "There's no nights off."

The two sides had been eyeing a six-year extension, but Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello couldn't gain enough cap flexibility to facilitate that, Dreger added.

Barzal had been absent from camp while negotiating the contract but was present Saturday.

The 23-year-old was a restricted free agent. He led the team with 60 points and ranked third with 19 goals while playing all 68 of New York's games last season.

The dynamic center is a possession wizard, having authored expected goals for, scoring chances for, and Corsi For ratings above 50% in 2019-20. Where he truly shines, though, is at zone entries.

Barzal has played three full seasons with the Islanders and hasn't missed a game during that span. New York drafted him 16th overall in 2015.