Rosner Wrap: Barzal Discusses Trotz Firing, Bad News for Marchand

Good morning peeps. Happy Friday and Happy Day Two of New York Islanders Rookie Camp. Despite not everyone being of rookie status, that’s what the organization is calling development camp so ride that wave.

On Thursday at NHL Media Day, Mathew Barzal commented about the Barry Trotz firing for the first time, in an exclusive interview with Bill Price of NHLDotCom.

“Barry was great. Not a bad word to say,” Barzal said Thursday. “But I think with coaching changes, sometimes you just need a new voice, sometimes you just need a fresh face.”

While Lane Lambert is not a fresh face, being an assistant coach with the New York Islanders for four years, Barzal has confidence in the first-year head coach.

“I think we all have good relationships with him because he was our [associate] coach the last couple years and he has the respect of the room, and that’s a big thing when a new coach comes in,” Barzal, a center, said. “So, I think he’s going to do a great job. I’m looking forward to it, and yeah, I think it’s going to be nice.”

So you can put to bed the rumors that Mathew Barzal butted heads with Barry Trotz, which was an idea that social media ran with as for why Trotz got canned.

It was a busy Thursday on Long Island as well as around the NHL. Here are the stories to know for today:

NYI Hockey Now: Today, the New York Islanders and the rest of the NHL took part in media day in Vegas. Anders Lee showed off the new 50th Anniversary patch, also showing off the absence of something else. New York Islanders.

NYI Hockey Now: New York Islanders prospect Robin Salo has the opportunity to earn a starting gig for the first time in his NHL career. The 23-year-old forward is fresh off his first season on North American ice, splitting time at the NHL and AHL level. In an exclusive interview with Stefen Rosner, Salo shares that he is still getting accustomed to the North American game. New York Islanders.

NYI Hockey Now: Thursday marked the first day of on-ice work for the New York Islanders prospects and rookies as 22 skaters and three goaltenders were in attendance at Northwell Ice Center in East Meadow, NY. Here’s everything you need to know from Day 1. New York Islanders.

NYI Hockey Now:  Did you place a few NFL bets last week? If you answered yes but didn’t take advantage of a DraftKings promo, you missed out. Don’t let that happen again this weekend with Week 2 of NFL betting season upon us. DraftKings promo.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now:  The Pittsburgh Penguins served began with a little appetizer before training camp in six days. The Penguins prospects camp is a good first look at the Penguins pipeline, for better and worse. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Boston Hockey Now: The bad news continues to be that Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand is going to miss weeks, not days, of the regular season while returning from double hip surgery over the summer. The good news is that Marchand continues to be on a timetable for a late November return to the lineup. Boston Bruins.

Philly Hockey Now: Scott Hartnell, who spent seven seasons as a Philadelphia Flyers left winger, will become a U.S. citizen Friday during a naturalization ceremony at Rowan College at Burlington County, according to Greg Volpe, executive director of strategic marketing and communications at the school. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Washington Hockey Now: Per Betway, the Capitals combined for a total of 1,085 missed days due to injury. They ranked 10th out of all NHL teams. Here’s the entire list. Washington Capitals.

Montreal Hockey Now: For the Montreal Canadiens to one day become Stanley Cup contenders, they’ll need a constant influx of young talent from their AHL affiliate, writes Mard Dumont. Montreal Canadiens.

Vegas Hockey Now: Welcome to a new series here at Vegas Hockey Now, where we will take a look at all the teams in the Pacific Division and analyze what they did this offseason. The Golden Knights missed the playoffs for the first time in franchise history last season, so keeping an eye on the other teams in the division is key. Vegas Golden Knights.

San Jose Hockey Now: Doug Bentz has heard all your criticism of the San Jose Sharks’ new all-teal home jerseys. But the Sharks’ chief marketing officer hopes fans will give San Jose’s new home and road uniforms, officially debuted by Logan Couture and James Reimer last night at a Sharks365 season ticket holders event, another look live. San Jose Sharks.

Vancouver Hockey Now: Tanner Pearson is the type of player every playoff team wants and needs and the Vancouver Canucks are no exception. That’s if they make the playoffs. Vancouver Canucks.