# Mathew Barzal, Matias Maccelli close to return with Islanders set to get important boost

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/mathew-barzal-matias-maccelli-close-to-return-with-islanders-set-to-get-important-boost/
- Published: 2026-11-07T23:53:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T00:35:21+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/07/sports/mathew-barzal-matias-maccelli-close-to-return-to-islanders/
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Barzal and Maccelli have returned to full training.
- The Islanders have not confirmed when they will play.
- Barzal’s return could boost the power play and forward lines.

## Summary

Mathew Barzal and Matias Maccelli took a significant step towards returning to the New York Islanders, taking part in full training for the first time since their injuries. Their progress could give the team a major lift after a difficult spell, though the club has not confirmed when either will be available to play.

Barzal has been recovering from a left-knee flare-up, while Maccelli has been out for three weeks with a lower-body injury. Medical staff were due to assess both players before deciding whether they would travel to California; Ryan Pulock and Calum Ritchie also remain injured. After 15 games, the Islanders have yet to field a full-strength line-up, and Barzal’s return could help address their power-play problems while giving coach Pete DeBoer more choices across the forward lines.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.