Make New York Post a Preferred Source ANAHEIM, Calif. — The wheels are in motion for Mathew Barzal to play for the first time this season on Saturday night.
The Islanders activated Barzal on Saturday while putting Kyle MacLean on non-roster waivers, clearing the way for No. 13 to make his debut.
Barzal has been moving ever closer in recent days, and with Matias Maccelli and Ryan Pulock both returning from injury Thursday night in Los Angeles, the Islanders are within reach of having a fully healthy roster for the first time all season.
New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) looks to pass against the Calgary Flames in Elmont, N.Y., Saturday, March 14, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s status was still pending Saturday after he missed the win over the Kings with a lower-body injury.
Calum Ritchie is not on the trip to California, also with a lower-body injury, but has started skating back home in New York.
Barzal, though, is the biggest piece of the puzzle. That could fall into place in a matter of hours.
