New York Islanders’ Mathew Barzal fined for unsportsmanlike conduct

The NHL Department of Player Safety announced Monday afternoon that it has fined New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal $2,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct.

The incident occurred in Sunday night’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Barzal interfered with the play while sitting on the bench during the game by grabbing Leafs winger Mitch Marner’s jersey, preventing him from skating down the ice when he wanted to. There was no penalty for the incident during the game, although it didn’t affect the outcome too much, as the Leafs won 4-2.

It’s been a season to forget for Barzal, as he’s posted a career worst 14 goals this season, as well as 37 assists and 51 points, which are the second worst totals of his career, although his career “worst” 28 assists and 45 points came during the shortened 2020-21 season in 11 fewer games. He’s in the second season of a three-year contract with a $7-million cap hit. He’ll be eligible for an extension on July 1.

It’s also been a season to forget for the Islanders, as Sunday night’s loss to Toronto mathematically eliminated them from the playoffs for the first time since the 2017-18 season. A tough start to the season between a lengthy road trip, injuries, and a COVID-19 outbreak were difficult to come back from for the Islanders, as they’ll look to bounce back next season.