Probably a reward for such an impressive camp. Maybe they send him back to Seattle after this game?
I wouldn't be surprised if this happens... final preseason game and then things get serious in Isles land... plus everyone is anticipating a huge junior season by him this year and WHL is already underway. He has already missed a couple junior games and will miss more at WJC so I think the sooner the better to send him back.
If he actually had a legitimate chance of sticking in NYI, I can see them keeping him longer, but he will be returned this year so as far as I am concerned, they should send him back after this game.
Seattle is a preseason favorite to challenge to be the top team in WHL so this is a real good situation for Barzal to be returning to
.....having said that, Barzal is a big game player and thrives in these situations and im sure he knows the odds are against him to make the team, but if he has a HUGE game tonight, it may make things extremely confusing for Isles management and they may be forced to kinda re think things