St. Paul, Minnesota – Matt Balzal underwent minor procedures on Thursday at his left kneecap. Pierre Leblanc in the athleticsit takes about 6 weeks to recover.
The six-week timetables vary, but when matched with Balzal's return to play, it actually becomes relatively good news for the islanders.
Coach Patrick Roy couldn't guarantee that Balzal would return by the end of the regular season when asked last week.
Six weeks later it will be late March.
However, it is unclear whether the six-week recovery corresponds to the six-week timetable for returns.
Barzal is not yet located in a long-term injury sanctuary. This allows islanders to have an additional $9.15 million in salary cap space ahead of trade deadlines.
He was placed in an injured reserve before his trip to Winnipeg and Minnesota, giving islanders a roster to activate Hudson Fassing.
If Balzal is not ready until after the regular season, the extra space allows Loumoriello to go on a big game hunt with trade deadlines without having to match his salary.
If all the indications leave the islanders who have yet to consider selling are going to try and trade Barzal's offensive this season, even though they are out of playoff photos, it is logical to try and win. It's a step.
Without Balzal, who missed time with an upper body injury earlier this season, the islanders don't have the best skaters and the most dynamic players.
No. 13 wasn't the best version of the season when he was healthy, but last week after the injury occurred, there was a noticeable hole in the top line.
There is no one on the roster that brings what Balzal brings.
Islanders need to look elsewhere for this.
