The NHL’s Department of Player Safety fined New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal $5,000 for slashing Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mason Marchment during Sunday’s game.
Barzal went after Marchment after the Blue Jackets forward clipped Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer during the second period at Nationwide Arena.
The retaliation sparked a scrum with multiple players from both teams getting into a fracas.
Mason Marchment stuck out a leg on Matthew Schaefer and Mat Barzal got him back with a HEFTY slash and chaos ensued pic.twitter.com/QYI4gwffmK
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) December 28, 2025
Barzal received a five-minute major and game misconduct for the slash.
Marchment also headed to the penalty box for two minutes for tripping after sticking out his leg as Schaefer tried to skate by. The veteran winger had already served a two-minute minor for roughing Schaefer during the first period.
The Blue Jackets won the game 4-2 after scoring three goals in the final five minutes, including an empty-net goal.
The $5,000 fine represents the maximum amount allowed under the current collective bargaining agreement.
