New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal has returned to Long Island to undergo evaluation for an upper body injury.
Islanders leaders announced the news on Friday, a few hours before the game they are scheduled to play against the Buffalo Sabres.
The team said details on the length of his absence will be announced once Barzal sees doctors.
The team did not say when Barzal was injured. He finished the game that the Islanders played Wednesday night in Columbus, against the Blue Jackets. The team led by Patrick Roy lost this game and has a record of 3-5-2.
The Islanders are already without the services of winger Anthony Duclair, who is expected to be out for several weeks with a lower-body injury.
Hoping to add depth to their forward group, the Islanders signed veteran Matt Martin last week.
Barzal, 27, is the Islanders’ highest-paid player and has just entered the second season of an eight-year contract.
In 10 games this season, Barzal has collected five points.
Hakanpää et Dewar avec les Marlies
The Maple Leafs have loaned defenseman Jani Hakanpää and forward Connor Dewar to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League so they can continue their fitness.
Both players have yet to play this season, with Hakanpää’s recovery dating back to a knee injury suffered last season with the Dallas Stars and Dewar having shoulder surgery during the off-season.
Canada
