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

[PWJunior]

But the big club situations are totally different. Toronto was a fire and NYI was a playoff team. I wouldn't want Marner near the Leafs this season. We can shelter Barzal waaaaaay better than Tor could shelter Marner.

Like someone else said, he could be a good 2C between some bigger players. Or even 3C with PP time. Our 2nd and 3rd line have been largely interchangeable for the last few years anyway.

It's not going to be up to us to decide of even the coaches to decide. It's 100% on Matthew Barzel to either make the NHL or not next season.

Barzal has a major uphill climb to make the Isles next year, the organization DOES have a say in what happens. He can make the decision more difficult, but he's ticketed back to the WHL no matter what he does in TC and I think we all know it. The Isles and Capuano loathe playing the kids, he always prefers his no talent grinders. Prince and Quine are going to get first crack at a roster spot. We'll have to see who is our new CMac/Bernier that Capuano can fall in love with as well.

The Isles don't necessarily care if their prospects are 'NHL ready', they care that they are capable of being 'successful in the NHL' to stick. They take their sweet ass time integrating the kids. I would be absolutely shocked if he sticks in the NHL next year. I kind of expect him to stick with the big club and get an NHL salary for a week or two, then be sent back with instructions on what to improve. Maybe he gets one game, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[blinkman360]

Barzal has a major uphill climb to make the Isles next year, the organization DOES have a say in what happens. He can make the decision more difficult, but he's ticketed back to the WHL no matter what he does in TC and I think we all know it. The Isles and Capuano loathe playing the kids, he always prefers his no talent grinders. Prince and Quine are going to get first crack at a roster spot. We'll have to see who is our new CMac/Bernier that Capuano can fall in love with as well.

The Isles don't necessarily care if their prospects are 'NHL ready', they care that they are capable of being 'successful in the NHL' to stick. They take their sweet ass time integrating the kids. I would be absolutely shocked if he sticks in the NHL next year. I kind of expect him to stick with the big club and get an NHL salary for a week or two, then be sent back with instructions on what to improve. Maybe he gets one game, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

I believe Staple himself has said that he wouldn't be surprised if Barzal is a part of the opening night roster next year, which is pretty telling of just how advanced this kid is - and how close he was to making it last year(on a less-full roster than what we'll most likely have to compete with next year).

 

[PWJunior]

I believe Staple himself has said that he wouldn't be surprised if Barzal is a part of the opening night roster next year, which is pretty telling of just how advanced this kid is - and how close he was to making it last year(on a less-full roster than what we'll most likely have to compete with next year).

Making the opening night roster is one thing, actually playing and sticking in the NHL is a completely different animal. This is the Isles we're talking about here. He'll get some spending money with an NHL salary for a week or two, maybe even get a chance to make his NHL debut where his family will be present and the whole 9 yards. He'll then be sent back to Seattle.

Search your feelings blink, you know it to be true. The Isles get off on thinking they're outsmarting the rest of the NHL. Snow has said there will NO changes to the coaching staff already. Tweedle derp and Tweedle dumbasses are still around.

 

[blinkman360]

Making the opening night roster is one thing, actually playing and sticking in the NHL is a completely different animal. This is the Isles we're talking about here. He'll get some spending money with an NHL salary for a week or two, maybe even get a chance to make his NHL debut where his family will be present and the whole 9 yards. He'll then be sent back to Seattle.

Search your feelings blink, you know it to be true. The Isles get off on thinking they're outsmarting the rest of the NHL. Snow has said there will NO changes to the coaching staff already. Tweedle derp and Tweedle dumbasses are still around.

Trust me, I won't be upset if they send him back, especially if Capuano is still the coach. I just think it would be unwise to do so, at least if Barzal looks like he can be an impact player for us in camp. I don't see how this team can turn away a chance at sustained secondary scoring(lot of S's).

I wouldn't be surprised if it goes down the way you predict though. Cappy loves his vets, even if he knows they won't contribute.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Just an update on Barzal. A small set back. But since he was close to making the team last year, and with Nielsen's departure. I would say he is well positioned to make the Islanders this year. He showed significant improvement last year with a terrific draft + 1 year season. IMO He is a player to watch this season.

Islanders' Mathew Barzal: Missed developmental camp with hip strain
by RotoWire Staff
Wednesday, Jul 06, 2016

Barzal wasn't able to play along with the other Islanders prospects in developmental camp due to a hip strain, Brian Compton of the Islanders website reports.

Barzal almost made the team out of training camp last season and could push for a spot on the roster this September. Barzal is slated to eventually become the Islanders second line center behind John Tavares.

With the loss of Frans Nielsen that time could be sooner rather than later. He is a player to watch in the later rounds of fantasy leagues this year.

http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/ho...al-missed-developmental-camp-with-hip-strain/

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

Just an update on Barzal. A small set back. But since he was close to making the team last year, and with Nielsen's departure. I would say he is well positioned to make the Islanders this year. He showed significant improvement last year with a terrific draft + 1 year season. IMO He is a player to watch this season.

Islanders' Mathew Barzal: Missed developmental camp with hip strain
by RotoWire Staff
Wednesday, Jul 06, 2016



http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/ho...al-missed-developmental-camp-with-hip-strain/

Such a good player... it will be horrible for Seattle if he doesn't come back next season. I really wouldn't doubt if they were to trade away some guys and rebuild if it happens. They will either be a contender or a re builder and it all hinges on what happens with Barzal

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Such a good player... it will be horrible for Seattle if he doesn't come back next season. I really wouldn't doubt if they were to trade away some guys and rebuild if it happens. They will either be a contender or a re builder and it all hinges on what happens with Barzal

Snow who has gained my respect as a GM in the last few years, probably had a succession plan in the back of his head. He saw Barzal last camp, and deduced there is no way this kid with another good year of development could be kept off the roster.

If Barzal gets over his hip strain, and he has a good camp. He could work his way up as high as the #2C next season behind JT by years end.

I agree about Seattle, if Barzal does not come back. They will likely be in sell mode. That team depends so much on Barzal. And it was a shame they just fell short of the Memorial Cup. Which is a real credit to just how good Barzal was last year. He was also named one of the top 3 players for Team Canada to add to his terrific post draft year.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

Snow who has gained my respect as a GM in the last few years, probably had a succession plan in the back of his head. He saw Barzal last camp, and deduced there is no way this kid with another good year of development could be kept off the roster.

If Barzal gets over his hip strain, and he has a good camp. He could work his way up as high as the #2C next season behind JT by years end.

I agree about Seattle, if Barzal does not come back. They will likely be in sell mode. That team depends so much on Barzal. And it was a shame they just fell short of the Memorial Cup. Which is a real credit to just how good Barzal was last year. He was also named one of the top 3 players for Team Canada to add to his terrific post draft year.

Ya if Barzal returns, I can actually see Farwell even make a couple big push type deals and take advantage of having barzal, bear and kolesar one last year... but if he stays with nyi, I really wouldn't doubt if he deals away bear and kolesar. IMO its going to be one extreme or the other for Seattle next season

 

[LordNeverLose]

Snow who has gained my respect as a GM in the last few years, probably had a succession plan in the back of his head. He saw Barzal last camp, and deduced there is no way this kid with another good year of development could be kept off the roster.

If Barzal gets over his hip strain, and he has a good camp. He could work his way up as high as the #2C next season behind JT by years end.

I agree about Seattle, if Barzal does not come back. They will likely be in sell mode. That team depends so much on Barzal. And it was a shame they just fell short of the Memorial Cup. Which is a real credit to just how good Barzal was last year. He was also named one of the top 3 players for Team Canada to add to his terrific post draft year.

Thing is Isles already have 14 NHL forwards before Barzal, so unless they move some guys out, I think they'll choose to let his ELC slide another year and play in Seattle.

 

[57special]

So Barzal is considered to be a better bet for 2C behind JT before Strome or Nelson?

 

[blinkman360]

So Barzal is considered to be a better bet for 2C behind JT before Strome or Nelson?

Nelson is a LW at this point, and will probably be lost to expansion(either him or de Haan, but I'm hoping it will be Nelson).

Strome is another story. He struggled big time last year, mainly playing RW. When he was put back up the middle though he started to turn it on and stand out, including in the playoffs. It's possible that he'll have a solid bounce back year and establish himself as the 2C.

Even if that happens though, I still think Barzal will be slotted above Strome if he pans out. The hope is that they'll eventually have essentially two 2nd lines.

 

[seafoam]

So Barzal is considered to be a better bet for 2C behind JT before Strome or Nelson?

There wasn't much separation between NYI's middle two lines last year. It would come down to putting Barzal with the right linemates according to how Capuano wants to deploy Barzal, which I assume would want to be sheltered.

 

[SI90]

Strome is already an NHL player but at the same age I would say Barzal is ahead of where Strome was.

I wouldn't be shocked if Barzal made the team but my gut says the isles send him back. They have 14 forwards on 1 way deals.

One good thing is Barzal was absolutely jacked at prospect camp. Looked like a tank. With his speed and skill at that size he could be a force.

I'd say he definitely won't learn much or gain much more playing another season in the WHL.

 

[SI90]

I wouldn't be surprised if Barzal was the #3 center to start.

Tavares Strome Barzal Cizikas.

Reality is though that it would be Tavares Strome Nelson Cizikas

 

[MardyBum]

So underrated.

Some posters on here can't grasp team talent when evalutating prospects.

 

[PWJunior]

I wouldn't be surprised if Barzal was the #3 center to start.

Tavares Strome Barzal Cizikas.

Reality is though that it would be Tavares Strome Nelson Cizikas

While not ideal, i think the only way Barzal can make the Isles next year is if he plays RW. Capuano doesn't trust kids no matter how talented they are, he goes for experience every day of the week and twice on Sunday. There is no way he would trust a 19 year old rookie to play center at the NHL level. Strome seems pretty much slotted as the #2C and that is reinforced by Snow's recent comments about Strome being better at center.

The addition of Parenteau significantly hurts Barzal's chances too as that virtually eliminates his chance as the #1RW. Ho-Sang brings a very similar skillset and has the advantage of being a natural RW and availability as he is done with the OHL. All signs point to Barzal going back to Seattle for a draft+2 super season where he'll be Team Canada's #1C at the WJC.

 

[93LEAFS]

While not ideal, i think the only way Barzal can make the Isles next year is if he plays RW. Capuano doesn't trust kids no matter how talented they are, he goes for experience every day of the week and twice on Sunday. There is no way he would trust a 19 year old rookie to play center at the NHL level. Strome seems pretty much slotted as the #2C and that is reinforced by Snow's recent comments about Strome being better at center.

The addition of Parenteau significantly hurts Barzal's chances too as that virtually eliminates his chance as the #1RW. Ho-Sang brings a very similar skillset and has the advantage of being a natural RW and availability as he is done with the OHL. All signs point to Barzal going back to Seattle for a draft+2 super season where he'll be Team Canada's #1C at the WJC.

He'll have some tough competition for that role. Primarily from Dubois and Nolan Patrick. Also an outside shot D. Strome is sent.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

While not ideal, i think the only way Barzal can make the Isles next year is if he plays RW. Capuano doesn't trust kids no matter how talented they are, he goes for experience every day of the week and twice on Sunday. There is no way he would trust a 19 year old rookie to play center at the NHL level. Strome seems pretty much slotted as the #2C and that is reinforced by Snow's recent comments about Strome being better at center.

The addition of Parenteau significantly hurts Barzal's chances too as that virtually eliminates his chance as the #1RW. Ho-Sang brings a very similar skillset and has the advantage of being a natural RW and availability as he is done with the OHL. All signs point to Barzal going back to Seattle for a draft+2 super season where he'll be Team Canada's #1C at the WJC.

I agree... As good as Barzal is, I have always strongly felt he will be back in Seattle. I know a lot of fans want him up with the big club next season but IMO its best for him to go back. He will have a giant year with Seattle, be a main piece for WJC team again and will be playing a long season(Seattle should be a favorite next year in WHL). I just cant see NYI keeping him around to play RW. He is a perfect centerman and keeping him around as a RW in his rookie season would be a terrible mistake and I just don't see it happening

Let him play junior again and no need what so ever to rush him

 

[The Winter Soldier]

I don't think going back to junior is going to be too inspiring for Barzal. It is normal these days that draft + 1 players are in the NHL, one year of junior at this stage for a player of Barzal's ability? What is he going to learn. If he can handle sheltered mins to start the year. The team can stretch him into a bigger role. IE Fabbri or Larkin last season. IMO he would learn more at the NHL level, be more motivated to move his career fwd.

Isles have a hole at C with Nielsen gone via UFA. This is a perfect chance for the Isles to hold tryouts at C at camp. Given Strome, Nelson(he's more of a winger to me), Dal Colle(more a winger to me) Barzal is easily the best Center candidate to play behind JT.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

I don't think going back to junior is going to be too inspiring for Barzal. It is normal these days that draft + 1 players are in the NHL, one year of junior at this stage for a player of Barzal's ability? What is he going to learn. If he can handle sheltered mins to start the year. The team can stretch him into a bigger role. IE Fabbri or Larkin last season. IMO he would learn more at the NHL level, be more motivated to move his career fwd.

Isles have a hole at C with Nielsen gone via UFA. This is a perfect chance for the Isles to hold tryouts at C at camp. Given Strome, Nelson(he's more of a winger to me), Dal Colle(more a winger to me) Barzal is easily the best Center candidate to play behind JT.

Gonna be an extremely competitive NYI camp coming up.. can't wait to see what happens!

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Gonna be an extremely competitive NYI camp coming up.. can't wait to see what happens!

This is not the best thread to bring this up, and I only do as it may factor into Snow's thinking. If JT is not extended beyond this season. Barzal becomes the most likely #1C of the franchise. And having 1 year under his belt would be beneficial if JT is not back. He may re-sign, and likely will. Usually players of this kind teams do not let walk. But one must have a back up plan if he doesn't.

 

[boredmale]

I don't think going back to junior is going to be too inspiring for Barzal. It is normal these days that draft + 1 players are in the NHL, one year of junior at this stage for a player of Barzal's ability? What is he going to learn. If he can handle sheltered mins to start the year. The team can stretch him into a bigger role. IE Fabbri or Larkin last season. IMO he would learn more at the NHL level, be more motivated to move his career fwd.

Isles have a hole at C with Nielsen gone via UFA. This is a perfect chance for the Isles to hold tryouts at C at camp. Given Strome, Nelson(he's more of a winger to me), Dal Colle(more a winger to me) Barzal is easily the best Center candidate to play behind JT.

From my POV as an Islanders fan, unless Barzal earns the #2 center spots I much rather send him back to junior. If for no other reason I would much rather see his ELC extend to the 2019/20 season(I personally view 2018/19 and 2019/20 as our 2 best shots at the cup due to all the ELCs we potentially can have on our team)

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

I don't think going back to junior is going to be too inspiring for Barzal. It is normal these days that draft + 1 players are in the NHL, one year of junior at this stage for a player of Barzal's ability? What is he going to learn. If he can handle sheltered mins to start the year. The team can stretch him into a bigger role. IE Fabbri or Larkin last season. IMO he would learn more at the NHL level, be more motivated to move his career fwd.

Isles have a hole at C with Nielsen gone via UFA. This is a perfect chance for the Isles to hold tryouts at C at camp. Given Strome, Nelson(he's more of a winger to me), Dal Colle(more a winger to me) Barzal is easily the best Center candidate to play behind JT.

How often does that happen on a team looking to contend this year, though? Having a rookie 19-year old center as your 2C doesn't seem like a good idea if you have Stanley Cup aspirations this season.

When is the last time a contender had a rookie as their 2C? I honestly can't think of one. Deep teams, teams that are a threat to go deep in the playoffs, generally work their youngsters in slowly in the bottom six, or at best as complimentary players alongside already established stars (ie. Brandon Saad next to Kane or Toews, but not as the main guy on that line).

If Barzal does make the team, I'd be shocked if it's as 2C. Because as good as Barzal may project to be, the Isles will be in trouble if he's the best option they have at 2C as a 19 year old rookie.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

How often does that happen on a team looking to contend this year, though? Having a rookie 19-year old center as your 2C doesn't seem like a good idea if you have Stanley Cup aspirations this season.

When is the last time a contender had a rookie as their 2C? I honestly can't think of one. Deep teams, teams that are a threat to go deep in the playoffs, generally work their youngsters in slowly in the bottom six, or at best as complimentary players alongside already established stars (ie. Brandon Saad next to Kane or Toews, but not as the main guy on that line).

If Barzal does make the team, I'd be shocked if it's as 2C. Because as good as Barzal may project to be, the Isles will be in trouble if he's the best option they have at 2C as a 19 year old rookie.

I think he's got the skating ability, skill, and most importantly composure to be an effective NHL'er next season. I'd predict him to to struggle a bit through in the middle of the season before finishing strong and being ready to be a contributing top 6 C in the playoffs.

The biggest thing for him will just being adjusting to the intelligence of NHL defenders. But he's a quick thinker though, which is why I think he'll have a relatively short adjustment period.

 

[Islesfan22]

Looks like Barzal has gotten stronger as well from the recent pictures I've seen of him. I think Barzal has a better then 50/50 chance of making the Islanders.