C Mathew Barzal - Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL (2015, 16th, NYI) II

[PWJunior]

Giroux benefited from two post draft years in Junior, and I think Barzal will as well.

I think the majority of prospects would benefit from 2 post draft years in Junior. What's the rush? Put the kids in a situation where they can succeed and let them work their way up the ladder. It's a progression and should be handled as such. Just because a kid is deemed ready for the NHL, are they ready to actually succeed in the NHL? There's a big difference there that many just don't see or don't want to see.

I like how the Isles handle their prospects up until they get to the NHL level, that's when Capuano screws everything up. Hopefully he's gone and we get a real coach who won't mishandle the kids so he can get his pet Brian Strait into the lineup.

 

[Tripod]

I think the majority of prospects would benefit from 2 post draft years in Junior. What's the rush? Put the kids in a situation where they can succeed and let them work their way up the ladder. It's a progression and should be handled as such. Just because a kid is deemed ready for the NHL, are they ready to actually succeed in the NHL? There's a big difference there that many just don't see or don't want to see.
I like how the Isles handle their prospects up until they get to the NHL level, that's when Capuano screws everything up. Hopefully he's gone and we get a real coach who won't mishandle the kids so he can get his pet Brian Strait into the lineup.

Interesteing you say this as Hextall has said that as well with the Flyers prospects on D on the way. He doesn't want guys to just come in an play because he can make the roster. He wants them to come in and make a difference on the team.

As you said, no reason to rush Barzal at all. Let him develop and FORCE his way on the team. He will be a good one for you guys. Dumb Oilers.

 

[PWJunior]

Interesteing you say this as Hextall has said that as well with the Flyers prospects on D on the way. He doesn't want guys to just come in an play because he can make the roster. He wants them to come in and make a difference on the team.

As you said, no reason to rush Barzal at all. Let him develop and FORCE his way on the team. He will be a good one for you guys. Dumb Oilers.

Did Hextall really say that? Well, I agree 1000000% with him. I really do love the direction the Isles went with the prospect development. I think a lot of credit goes to Trent Klatt, seemed like things really changed once he replaced Jankowski - that 2010 Draft was really bizarre and it's no wonder he was dismissed right after. Klatt's endorsement of Brock Nelson at least salvaged something.

The Isles do great right up until they're in the NHL, Capuano is a mess when it comes to handling the kids. Can't wait until he's gone. Him and Brian Strait actually.

 

[Fire Sweeney]

3 more assists for Barzal yesterday

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

3 more assists for Barzal yesterday

he was absolutely dominating last night. Did everything all over the ice and was excellent defensively too. Him, Oilers pick Ethan Bear and also their goalie Landon Bow were all great and the main reasons Seattle won

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Barzal has been named the 1st and 3rd stars of Seattle's last 2 games/ playoff wins.

 

[boredmale]

Anybody who follows the WHL, what do you think Seattles chances are in the playoffs?

I am guessing they will most likely win this round, might win another round, less likely 2 and probably not go to the Mem Cup

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

Anybody who follows the WHL, what do you think Seattles chances are in the playoffs?

I am guessing they will most likely win this round, might win another round, less likely 2 and probably not go to the Mem Cup

a lot of people in the WHL are predicting a Seattle VS Victoria West final. I think that will end up happening. I love that it could be a Seattle VS Victoria and a Brandon VS Red Deer East/West finals cause IMO those 4 were the best teams in the WHL this season

 

[boredmale]

a lot of people in the WHL are predicting a Seattle VS Victoria West final. I think that will end up happening. I love that it could be a Seattle VS Victoria and a Brandon VS Red Deer East/West finals cause IMO those 4 were the best teams in the WHL this season

I am guessing at the end of the day Brandon is the team to beat right?

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

I am guessing at the end of the day Brandon is the team to beat right?

never know... way too competitive of a league this year. I wouldn't be shocked at all if they won the league but also I wouldn't be shocked at all if they got knocked out. I could potentially see one of Victoria or Seattle beating them in the finals. What a BRUTAL trip back and forth it would be for Seattle/Victoria and Brandon back and forth in the finals though haha.

I can tell you though that the West final will be an EXTREMELY intense series though cause whoever makes the league finals out of the West and IF Red Deer makes league finals out of the East, that Western team automatically gets a Memorial Cup birth regardless the outcome of the league final cause Red Deer is hosting

 

[The Winter Soldier]

I don't even want to bring this up. But JT is only under contract for another year past this season.

Perhaps Barzal will be the future #1 stud Center of the Islanders depending on what JT decides. Something to tab for later.

 

[Jester9881]

I don't even want to bring this up. But JT is only under contract for another year past this season.

Perhaps Barzal will be the future #1 stud Center of the Islanders depending on what JT decides. Something to tab for later.

I can't imagine the Islanders not giving JT a max contract, and because he's shown no signs of being unhappy I'd be surprised if JT turned it down. What other contending team could offer a similar contract? Especially with the cap possibly going down.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Islander fans should be happy, Isles doing well in the playoffs. And Barzal is very well too.

3 points in game 4. 5 points in his last 2 games, Including 2 assists with 3 and 75 seconds left in the game to tie the score, where Seattle completed the comeback in 2nd OT to move on to the WHL final in a 4 game sweep.

Matthew showing he is a big game player, coming up big in the playoffs as Seattle is one series win away from the Memorial Cup.

 

[SI90]

Islander fans should be happy, Isles doing well in the playoffs. And Barzal is very well too.

3 points in game 4. 5 points in his last 2 games, Including 2 assists with 3 and 75 seconds left in the game to tie the score, where Seattle completed the comeback in 2nd OT to move on to the WHL final in a 4 game sweep.

Matthew showing he is a big game player, coming up big in the playoffs as Seattle is one series win away from the Memorial Cup.

Barzal channeling his inner Tavares. #Clutch

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Barzal channeling his inner Tavares. #Clutch

He is by far the most talented player on Seattle. Ironically just like Tavares is on the Islanders. If Seattle gets past Brandon(I am assuming they will close out their series). It's going to be quite a feather in his cap that Seattle made it to the Memorial Cup. Will be interesting to watch can Barzal and Seattle beat the powerhouse Brandon Wheatkings.

 

[Lame Lambert]

I don't even want to bring this up. But JT is only under contract for another year past this season.

Perhaps Barzal will be the future #1 stud Center of the Islanders depending on what JT decides. Something to tab for later.

I really can't see JT going anywhere, especially if we make it to the ECF this year and get him a winger this off season.

 

[93LEAFS]

He's having an impressive season, can't see them beating Brandon though. Granted if Red Deer knock out Brandon (unlikely at this point), it won't matter too much for Seattle.

 

[Felix Unger]

Having barzal in the nhl is part of the plan for keeping JT.

 

[Curufinwe]

Barzal vs Provorov would make for a nice finals matchup.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

Ya itll be a very interesting finals if in fact its Brandon VS seattle... the teams rarely play each other and aren't familiar with each other at all.

This year and last year they have only played each other a total of 2 times with Seattle winning both games at a combined score of 13-6. Barzal was hurt in the game last season, but in the game this season VS Brandon, he had 5 assists and +4 in a 7-2 win. So Seattle will have confidence going into the series against the powerhouse Wheaties

Fully expect it to go 6 or 7 games and could easily be either or who wins

 

[boredmale]

Barzal vs Provorov would make for a nice finals matchup.

From an Islanders fan perspective it would have been even nicer if Pilon was there. lol

All that being said I expect Brandon to win, there team is stacked.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

From an Islanders fan perspective it would have been even nicer if Pilon was there. lol

All that being said I expect Brandon to win, there team is stacked.

ya its funny cause Brandon is completely stacked... Seattle for whatever reason have just clicked the past 30 some odd games though. The team is built perfectly this season with huge dmen that move the puck well and make forwards life tough on the opposing team and also extremely good shut down forwards. On paper Seattle doesn't have that "sexy" look to it but for whatever reason they have clicked. 95% of people will choose Brandon to win this series but I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Seattle upsets them and win.

I cant wait to watch this series if its Brandon and Seattle... Seattle is hoping Red Deer can make a come back though and win the East so then Seattle gets an automatic Mem. Cup berth

Anyways, Barzal has been awesome so far in the playoffs but needs to step it up even more this next round. Hes a big game player and I have no doubt in my mind he will be ready. The duo of Barzal and dman Bear(Oilers pick) is a real impressive duo on the PP

 

[boredmale]

ya its funny cause Brandon is completely stacked... Seattle for whatever reason have just clicked the past 30 some odd games though. The team is built perfectly this season with huge dmen that move the puck well and make forwards life tough on the opposing team and also extremely good shut down forwards. On paper Seattle doesn't have that "sexy" look to it but for whatever reason they have clicked. 95% of people will choose Brandon to win this series but I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Seattle upsets them and win.

I cant wait to watch this series if its Brandon and Seattle... Seattle is hoping Red Deer can make a come back though and win the East so then Seattle gets an automatic Mem. Cup berth

From an Islander fan perspective this Mem Cup might be great. We have Barzal, Ho Sang and (most likely since they up 3-1) Beauvillier all going to their league finals. Of the 3 I think Shawinigan is most likely to go to the Mem Cup, Seattle has a punchers chance and I don't really have much hope for Niagara against London. No matter who makes it or not I really hope London loses, I just hate the way that organization runs itself(they sort of like the Yankees of junior hockey)

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

From an Islander fan perspective this Mem Cup might be great. We have Barzal, Ho Sang and (most likely since they up 3-1) Beauvillier all going to their league finals. Of the 3 I think Shawinigan is most likely to go to the Mem Cup, Seattle has a punchers chance and I don't really have much hope for Niagara against London. No matter who makes it or not I really hope London loses, I just hate the way that organization runs itself(they sort of like the Yankees of junior hockey)

also to note, Ive talked to a few WHL coaches and asst coaches before playoffs started and they hated playing against Seattle and almost all predicted a Seattle/Brandon finals(some predicted Seattle/Red Deer finals.. either way Seattle was the consensus to make it from the guys I talked to).... I was shocked to hear them all praise Seattle so much. I knew Seattle was obviously rolling before playoffs started, but I assumed it would crash and burn by the 2nd round of playoffs... yet they are 12-1 this post season(2 sweeps and a 5 game series)

 

[Fixed to Ruin]

From an Islander fan perspective this Mem Cup might be great. We have Barzal, Ho Sang and (most likely since they up 3-1) Beauvillier all going to their league finals. Of the 3 I think Shawinigan is most likely to go to the Mem Cup, Seattle has a punchers chance and I don't really have much hope for Niagara against London. No matter who makes it or not I really hope London loses, I just hate the way that organization runs itself(they sort of like the Yankees of junior hockey)

From everything i've seen Rouyn Noranda is the consensus favourite to come out of the Q. However, you are correct its still quite an impressive list for the Islanders.