Mathew Barzal Bio
Mathew Michael Paul Barzal is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a forward for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). Barzal was selected by the Islanders in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2015 NHL entry draft. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 2017-18, the fifth Islander to win the award.
Early Life and Background
Mathew Barzal was born on May 26, 1997, in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada. Growing up in a hockey-centric environment, he developed a passion for the sport at an early age. Barzal played in the 2010 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with his youth team from Burnaby, which marked the beginning of his competitive hockey journey. His talent was evident early on, as he was selected first overall by the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in the 2012 WHL bantam draft.
Path to Hockey
Barzal began his junior career with the Seattle Thunderbirds in the 2013-14 season, where he quickly made a name for himself. In his rookie season, he scored 14 goals and provided 40 assists for a total of 54 points. His impressive performance earned him a ranking as one of the top prospects ahead of the 2015 NHL entry draft. This paved the way for his selection by the New York Islanders, where he would begin his professional career.
Mathew Barzal Career
Early Career (2016-2018)
Mathew Barzal made his NHL debut on October 15, 2016. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the New York Islanders shortly after being drafted. Barzal’s first NHL point came on October 15, 2017, when he assisted on a goal by Josh Bailey. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Islanders, setting a franchise record for assists by a rookie with five assists in a single game on November 5, 2017. His remarkable rookie season culminated in winning the Calder Memorial Trophy in June 2018.
Breakthrough (2018-Present)
Following the departure of John Tavares during the 2018 off-season, Barzal took on a more significant role within the Islanders’ lineup. He centered the top line and continued to showcase his offensive skills. On December 29, 2018, Barzal scored a natural hat-trick against the Toronto Maple Leafs, becoming the first Islanders player to achieve this feat against the team since Mike Bossy in 1986. He was named to the NHL All-Star Game in January 2019, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s top players.
Notable Works and Milestones
Mathew Barzal’s career has been marked by numerous achievements, including his Calder Memorial Trophy win and his participation in the NHL All-Star Game. He has also made significant contributions during the Stanley Cup playoffs, including scoring his first playoff overtime winner against the Washington Capitals in 2020.
Mathew Barzal Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Mathew Barzal has received several nominations, most notably for the Calder Memorial Trophy, which he won in 2018 as the NHL’s top rookie.
Mathew Barzal Awards Won
Mathew Barzal has won the Calder Memorial Trophy, recognizing him as the best rookie in the NHL during the 2017-18 season.
Mathew Barzal Family
Information about Mathew Barzal’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Mathew Barzal speaks French, having undergone French immersion in school. He has developed a close friendship with former Islanders teammate Anthony Beauvillier, a French speaker whom he met while playing for Canada at the 2015 World U18 Championship.
