New York Islanders fans who closely followed Mathew Barzal’s off-season adventures on social media were treated to glimpses of the 26-year-old’s summer escapades, including his travels through Italy, his foray into mixed martial arts, and even his guitar-playing on stage. But there was one thing they could always count on seeing, even in the off-season: Barzal’s signature flowing locks, looking as impeccable as ever.
However, for those fans who held a special place in their hearts for Barzal’s free-flowing hair, there’s some sad news to digest: the star player has opted for a drastic makeover, trading in his luscious mane for a sleek and considerably shorter hairstyle as he gears up for the upcoming season.
Barzal unveiled his bold new look during the New York Islanders Children’s Foundation Golf Outing on a Monday afternoon, triggering an avalanche of reactions from fans. The responses to his haircut poured in just as swiftly as Barzal’s skating prowess when he competed against Connor McDavid in the fastest skater competition.
With a hint of humor, Barzal quipped, “Yeah, it just fell off,” when asked about his sudden hair transformation.
Needless to say, many of his admirers were taken aback by this unexpected change. For those who’ve followed his career, this isn’t the first time Barzal has made a significant alteration to his hair. After his impressive Calder Trophy-winning rookie season, Lou Lamoriello took the helm as President of Hockey Operations for the Islanders, prompting Barzal to anticipate a makeover.
“It was close to my shoulders,” Barzal reminisced about his hair before the start of the 2018-19 season. “I know it’s a rule, so I might as well get used to it now.” Back then, his hair was still long enough to peek out from the back of his helmet.
In the subsequent years, his haircuts progressively grew shorter, eventually leading to the revelation of his latest, bolder look on that memorable Monday.
While fans may mourn the loss of Barzal’s iconic hair, the true focus remains on how he’ll perform on the ice during the upcoming season. Paired alongside Bo Horvat, the duo aims to rekindle their early chemistry. Although head coach Lane Lambert refrained from making any commitments, he hinted that Barzal may experiment with playing as a winger during training camp, leaving fans eager to see what the season will bring, both in terms of hockey action and Barzal’s evolving style.