The National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety has imposed a significant financial penalty on New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal. He has been fined $5,000, which is the maximum amount allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for an incident that does not warrant a suspension or a hearing.
The Incident That Sparked the Fine
The sequence of events unfolded during a game between the New York Islanders and the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Nationwide Arena. In the second period, Columbus left winger Mason Marchment was assessed a tripping penalty after a collision with Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, which appeared to be a knee-on-knee hit.
In immediate retaliation for the hit on his teammate, Mathew Barzal delivered a two-handed slash to Marchment's leg. The NHL's Department of Player Safety, which reviewed the play the day after the Monday game, described the action as a dangerous swing. While some reports labeled the slash as brutal and with intent to injure, it resulted only in the financial penalty.
Disciplinary Outcomes and Coach's Response
The disciplinary fallout was one-sided. Mason Marchment, who initiated the sequence with the trip, received no further fines or suspensions from the league beyond his two-minute minor penalty. Conversely, Barzal was ejected from the game due to a major penalty and a game misconduct.
Islanders head coach Patrick Roy addressed the incident after his team's 4-2 loss to the Blue Jackets. Roy stated the team believed Marchment's initial hit on Schaefer was a knee-on-knee collision. He further defended Barzal's actions, telling reporters, "We're never going to blame a teammate for going to try and defend a teammate."
Maximum Fine and Its Destination
The $5,000 fine levied against Barzal represents the highest possible monetary punishment the NHL can issue without moving to suspend a player. According to league protocol, all money collected from such fines is directed to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund, which provides support to NHL alumni in times of need.
The decision was communicated through the league's official channels and confirmed by Islanders beat reporters. Notably, reporters like Stefen Rosner and Ethan Sears shared on platform X that Barzal would avoid a suspension, receiving only the maximum fine under the CBA.
