The Islanders' No. 1 center the past two seasons, Barzal became a restricted free agent after helping them reach the Eastern Conference Final. The 23-year-old led New York during the regular season with 60 points (19 goals, 41 assists) in 68 games and then scored 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 22 postseason games.
Barzal was one of two key restricted free agents; defenseman Ryan Pulock agreed to a two-year contract Nov. 4. Forward Matt Martin and defenseman Andy Greene are unrestricted free agents.
"Right now, all I'm doing is focusing in on communication with each and every one of our restricted free agents, and also unrestricted free agents, and seeing exactly what we can get done," Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said Sept. 29. "We did not have any communication during the playoffs intentionally, and right now we're talking. I feel that we'll get all our players signed in due time."