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Uniondale Today
By the People, for the People
Islanders' Barzal Moves Back to Center Under New Coach DeBoer
Mathew Barzal will return to his preferred position as the team fights for a playoff spot.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:56am
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Mathew Barzal's return to center ice could provide a much-needed spark for the Islanders as they fight for a playoff spot.Uniondale TodayUnder new Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer, star center Mathew Barzal will be moved back to his natural position in the middle of the ice. Barzal had been playing more on the wing recently, but DeBoer believes Barzal's speed and skill are best utilized at center as the Islanders make a late-season playoff push.
Why it matters
Barzal is one of the Islanders' most important players, and getting him back to center could provide a much-needed boost as the team battles for a postseason berth. DeBoer is looking to shake things up after the team fired the previous coach, and Barzal's position change is one of his first major moves.
The details
During Tuesday's practice, Barzal skated as the team's center with Brayden Schenn shifted to left wing. DeBoer said he believes Barzal's speed and playmaking ability are best utilized in the middle of the ice, comparing him to other elite centers like Jack Eichel, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon. Barzal has toggled between wing and center during his Islanders career, but hasn't played center since early February, a 23-game span in which he registered 24 points and 5 goals. In the 54 games prior, he lined up at center 50 times and totaled 43 points.
- Barzal has not played center since early February, a 23-game span.
- In the 54 games prior to that, Barzal lined up at center 50 times.
The players
Mathew Barzal
A star center for the New York Islanders who is being moved back to his natural position in the middle of the ice by new head coach Pete DeBoer.
Pete DeBoer
The new head coach of the New York Islanders, who is looking to shake up the team's lineup and tactics as they fight for a playoff spot.
Brayden Schenn
A forward for the Islanders who will be shifted to left wing to accommodate Barzal's move back to center.
What they’re saying
“My initial reaction watching Mat from the other bench is, everybody's looking for that type of speed in the middle of the ice.”
— Pete DeBoer, Islanders Head Coach
“I think my heart, as a player, is probably down the middle of the ice, just because it allows me to do a lot of things.”
— Mathew Barzal
What’s next
The Islanders will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night in a pivotal game as they fight for a playoff spot. DeBoer's lineup changes, including Barzal's move back to center, will be put to the test.
The takeaway
Barzal is one of the Islanders' most important players, and getting him back to his preferred position at center could provide a much-needed boost as the team battles for a playoff berth under new coach Pete DeBoer. The move highlights DeBoer's willingness to shake up the lineup in an effort to turn the team's fortunes around.
