Barzal Pushing To Make Islanders

.@Barzal_97 looking good out there on day one of Rookie Camp. #Isles pic.twitter.com/nWKtRbKPhn

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) September 16, 2016 Mathew Barzal knows it’s management’s decision whether he makes the New York Islanders this season.

It’s up to him to make that decision really tough on head coach Jack Capuano and general manager Garth Snow.

“I’m just coming in really humble, ready to work hard and trying to show management and whatnot that I can make a spot on the team this year,” Barzal said. “Who knows, they are going to do what’s best for me and they have good intentions. I’m just coming in with a positive mindset and am going to work really hard.”

Barzal, the Islanders’ 2015 first-round pick, nearly cracked the roster last season, going back to junior hockey as one of the last cuts from training camp. He had a career-year with the Seattle Thunderbirds, scoring 88 points (27G, 61A) and taking the team all the way to the WHL Final, so expectations are high this fall.

“There’s a little bit more pressure,” Barzal said. “Obviously it’d be unbelievable to play there this year. They are obviously going to do what’s in my best interest. At the end of the day I’m here to work hard and try to make a good impression.”

His quest to make the Islanders kicked off Friday at Northwell Health Ice Center, as the …

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