Two teams emerge as probable destinations for Mathew Barzal amid his no-trade clause
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Daniel Lucente
Jun 28, 2026 (1:16 PM)
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Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Mathew Barzal's name is trending. Before you get carried away, the 22-team no-trade clause buried in his contract is the story nobody is telling.
The Montreal Canadiens and Dallas Stars have both checked in with the New York Islanders on Barzal's availability, per Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News.
Islanders GM Mathieu Darche is listening, as is his job description.
But listening is not shopping, and very few outlets are separating those two things right now.
Barzal is signed through 2031 at $9.15 million annually and posted 72 points in 81 games last season, remaining the most dynamic forward on Long Island.
The Islanders are not rebuilding. They fired Patrick Roy with four games left in the regular season because the playoffs matter that much to this organization, then hired Pete DeBoer.
The no-trade clause changes the math entirely
Here is what is getting glossed over. Barzal holds a 22-team modified NTC, and nobody has confirmed whether Montreal or Dallas even appear on his approved list.
If either team is blocked, the conversation ends before it starts, and Barzal holds all the leverage in determining where he goes.
This is not a footnote - it is the entire transaction.
Worth noting: the Islanders previously rejected a Canadiens inquiry on Bo Horvat. Their appetite for sending talent to a rebuilding rival appears limited.
Dallas needs Robertson solved first
The Stars' interest only makes sense as a Robertson replacement framework. Robertson rejected a reported trade to the Seattle Kraken last week.
Dallas publicly stated it wants to keep him, with one final contract offer on the table. If Robertson stays, the roster logic for acquiring Barzal disappears entirely.
One rumor is being stacked on top of another unresolved situation. Barzal may eventually move, but to where remains to be seen.
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