The New York Islanders are facing challenges as center Mat Barzal returns to Long Island for evaluation of an upper-body injury. The team has not specified the injury's timeline after he consults with doctors.

Barzal's injury comes during a tough stretch for the Islanders, who have lost three consecutive games, bringing their record to 3-5-2 this season. Additionally, winger Anthony Duclair is sidelined for several weeks with a lower-body injury, prompting the signing of veteran Matt Martin for added forward depth.