NYIHN Daily: Barzal Next Steps, Cizikas Exits Scrimmage & More

With the season beginning this week, the New York Islanders are working to get ready. After Mat Barzal put pen to paper, he is back and looks like a guy ready to go. As the team scrimmaged on Sunday, fourth-liner Casey Cizikas left early after taking a big hit. With Sorokin getting a lot of attention, veteran Semyon Varlamov has been named the starter. These stories and more on today’s daily links!

After signing a three-year deal on Saturday, Mat Barzal looks to grow as a player. Head coach Barry Trotz wants to help him grow, not just on the offensive side of the puck, but on the defensive side of the puck as well. (NYI Hockey Now)

During the Islanders scrimmage yesterday, Casey Cizikas appeared to injure his hand after taking a big hit. The first indication seems to be positive, but if he is unable to go, that is a huge loss for this Islander team. (NYI Hockey Now)

While it did not come as a surprise, Semyon Varlamov has been named the starter. Both goaltenders have had good camps, but Barry Trotz believes Varlamov deserves the job. (NYI Hockey Now)

J-G Pageau has yet to have official linemates for this upcoming season. But yesterday in the scrimmage, he played alongside youngsters Kieffer Bellows and Oliver Wahlstrom, both scoring against Ilya Sorokin. (Newsday)

Boston Bruins’ Brad Marchand exits Sunday’s practice early (sports hernia), in order to receive treatment. He is a morning-time decision for the team’s scrimmage today. (Boston Hockey Now)

After a COVID-19 scare, the Pittsburgh Penguins were back practicing on Sunday. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Colorado Avalanche netminder Phillip Grubauer suffered a pulled-groin injury during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. But he is working hard to make sure he does not reaggravate it this season. (Colorado Hockey Now)

The Florida Panthers have made their first round of cuts, as more cuts will be coming before the season begins. (Florida Hockey Now)