"With Canada's tournament opener scheduled for Friday against Sweden, Barzal has withdrawn from the tournament due to a pre-existing injury. The NY Islanders are calling Barzal's sudden withdrawal a precautionary measure and that he is expected to have a normal off-season schedule and will be ready for Training Camp."
"#Isles Player Update: Due to precautionary reasons, Mathew Barzal will miss the remainder of the World Championships because of a minor pre-existing injury. He is expected to have a normal offseason and be ready for Training Camp.- New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) May 12, 2026"
"A native of Coquitlam, BC, Barzal was set to play for his country for the third time at the World Championship, recording two goals and 13 assists in 19 games in his two previous outings, earning a Silver Medal in 2022. One of the story lines surrounding Barzal entering this tournament was his reunion with former Islanders captain John Tavares."
"While losing Barzal will be a big blow for the Canadians, they've already named a replacement, as Sidney Crosby will once again line up donning the Maple Leaf across his chest."
Mathew Barzal was named to Team Canada for the 2026 IIHF World Championship after the 2025-26 season ended. Canada’s opener against Sweden was scheduled for Friday, but Barzal withdrew because of a minor pre-existing injury. The New York Islanders described the move as precautionary and said Barzal is expected to follow a normal offseason and be ready for training camp. Barzal is from Coquitlam, British Columbia, and was set to play for Canada for the third time at the tournament. He previously recorded two goals and 13 assists in 19 games and won a silver medal in 2022. The tournament storyline included a reunion with John Tavares, and Barzal’s 2025-26 season ended with 72 points. Canada named Sidney Crosby as his replacement.
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