NHL trade rumors: Insider claims new Islanders GM has made his decision about $73,200,000 center, Bo Horvat's future in Long Island

The New York Islanders will not be trading their stars, Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat, after missing the playoffs for the first time in the last three seasons. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun said in his Wednesday column on The Athletic that new Islanders GM Mathieu Darche has made his decision. Darche has reportedly told both players that they will stay with the team.

"Darche has communicated with both star players that they’re staying put. That’s going to be disappointing for teams who were hoping to make offers on either,"LeBrun wrote.

Darche became the Islanders’ general manager and executive vice president on May 23. He plans to make some roster changes but will not break the team apart.

Some teams were interested in trading for Barzal or Horvat. LeBrun believes the Montreal Canadiens were likely one of them. Darche has no plans to trade them or start a long rebuild. He wants the Islanders to stay competitive and fight for a playoff spot next season.

"Montreal would have (tried to acquire)... But keeping both Barzal and Horvat is part of Darche’s decision to not undergo a massive, long-term rebuild." LeBrun wrote.

Mathew Barzal is currently signed on an eight-year, $73,200,000 contract till the 2030-31 season. Barzal played 30 games in the 2024-25 regular season. He scored six goals and added 14 assists for 20 points. His season was shortened as he got injured on October 30, returned in December, but his season ended after blocking a shot on February 1.

Barzal is known for his speed and playmaking. In his NHL career, Barzal has played 530 games and has collected 134 goals and 328 assists for 462 points. So, his presence in the lineup sorts out the Isles' top two center needs.

Bo Horvat is also signed through the 2030-31 season on an eight-year, $68,000,000 contract. Horvat played 81 games in the 2024-25 season, scoring 28 goals and adding 29 assists for 57 points. He is a reliable two-way center who helps at even strength and on the power play.

Darche and head coach Patrick Roy both believe Barzal and Horvat are important to the team.

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Mathew Barzal's injury played a big role in Islanders missing the playoffs

The New York Islanders missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season after making it in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 NHL seasons. They were eliminated after a shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Isles struggled on special teams all season. Their power play and penalty kill ranked 31st in the NHL. Mathew Barzal missed many games because of injuries, which hurt their offense. The Isles also lost many close games, often giving up late leads. These missed points cost them a playoff spot.

Now, they have hope for next season with Ilya Sorokin in goal and young players like Cole Eiserman and Calum Ritchie.