In reality, there is very little chance he will be in the pros next year. The Isles' standard practice is for players to complete full junior eligibility and then spend at least some time in the AHL.
Also, most of the same players who were ahead of Barzal will still be there next season, with the notable possible exception of Nielsen.
Barzal is a fantastic prospect but he'll need to round out his game and bulk up.
Probably three years away from a top six role.
Do not see that as an attack on your, btw. The Isles have a painstaking system in place right now and I wouldn't expect a Calgary based fan to know about that - despite your obvious high level of knowledge about juniors.
No attack taken. I just believe the world is changing. Larkin + Red Wings are a prime example. If a player is a difference maker they will buck the trend or the 'system' you've mentioned. I think Barzal is one such player. Look at the impact of player like Ehlers and Domi, Larkin. These are elite prospects sure, but not generational players like McDavid and Eichel. Yet they are making a massive difference as teenagers. This is where I think Barzal is, level wise. He's already bigger than Domi and Ehlers, even though yes, he does need to both round out his game and bulk up (same can be said for the aforementioned prospects.)
Also, I think Barzal, at this moment, is ahead of the curve compared to similar players that the Islanders have drafted, the key comparison I think being Strome. Barzal is already a more rounded player than Strome at the same age and seems far more mature.
I'm not saying it will happen (my crystal ball is a little dusty) but I do think it's more than likely. And thanks for the compliment, even though your reading skills are a little lax
(see location)
