Rumor: "Islanders exploring the market on Mat Barzal..."

[periferal]

Seems like Mat Barzal could be had for the right price, but what is the right price...?



"A league executive told The Citizen that the New York Islanders are exploring the market for forward Mathew Barzal. The club would like to clear some cap space, but it’s a big financial commitment with four years left at $9.15 million through 2030-31.

Reports indicate the Utah Mammoth kicked tires on Barzal last summer, but opted not to make the move. Barzal, 29, finished with 19 goals and 72 points in 81 games with the Isles last season, but that salary would be tough for the Senators to swallow."

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

Vancouver

 

[Tasteless Beaver]

Winnipeg. We've got a massive void at 2C, a lot of cap, and big consequences if this year is a dud. Let's make a deal.

 

[AKL]

Minnesota

 

[FSL KINGS]

What do the Islanders need?

 

[Em etah Eh]

Minnesota

Please not Minnesota. Keep him East…

 

[MoneyManny]

This has Montreal written all over it.

The reason they give for the trade makes it sound like a bullshit story though. Trade away your best forward at 9m AAV for cap space?

 

[LAIcelanders]

Ideally he’s your 3rd best forward. On the Isles
the gap between him at 1 and Horvat at 2 is wide. The gap between Horvat and the next best 40 point forward is the Grand Canyon. Give him some options and he hits 90 easily.

 

[ZombosNose]

Would fill a huge hole in Detroit.

 

[SI90]

Vancouver

They have absolutely nothing I’d want. Also, I don’t think they’d give up with the isles would want as well

 

[SI90]

Should be a reminder that Barzal also has a 22 team no trade list.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

Montreal would be cool to see

 

[Son Goku]

God I’d love him in Pittsburgh

 

[SI90]

Ideally he’s your 3rd best forward. On the Isles
the gap between him at 1 and Horvat at 2 is wide. The gap between Horvat and the next best 40 point forward is the Grand Canyon. Give him some options and he hits 90 easily.

Been waiting for him to be a 90pt player for 10
Years. Love Barzal but he is what he is. He’s not going to change his game at this point and be more aggressive. He’s a highly skilled 70-80 pt guy who’s also an elite skater.

 

[JohnnyJacket13]

He’d be a great fit in Columbus

 

[Clint Eastwood]

Is he a good center or is he more of a winger these days?

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

Multiple teams named so quickly wanting him

 

[Peter Griffin]

Vancouver

No. Why?

 

[SiempreSalvaje]

Yurov + Hartman + 1st from Minny?

 

[StreetHawk]

No. Why?

He does not fit their timeline. He’s 29 now. Van not returning to PO’s until the 2030’s. He’d be 33 at the earliest then.

 

[Tasty Biscuits]

This has Montreal written all over it.

The reason they give for the trade makes it sound like a bullshit story though. Trade away your best forward at 9m AAV for cap space?

Yeah, the cap space is w/e, even with Schaefer getting a haul when his ELC is up.

The more likely logic is, even with Schaefer, that team is currently trending down, and is probably like 5 yrs away from making any legitimate noise again, and at that stage, what kind of player will Barzal even be (assuming he was re-signed, and what kind of contract would he want)?

Makes more sense to get younger players and assets now that fit the team's timeline.

 

[Peter Griffin]

He does not fit their timeline. He’s 29 now. Van not returning to PO’s until the 2030’s. He’d be 33 at the earliest then.

Exactly, makes no sense.

 

[Benedict Kovalchuk]

Is he a good center or is he more of a winger these days?

Either really.

 

[Koivunsons]

Winnipeg. We've got a massive void at 2C, a lot of cap, and big consequences if this year is a dud. Let's make a deal.

Damn. Makes sense to acquire a top end winger then.

 

[Canovin]

Barzal isn't available but Schaefer really wants to play with his idol Darnell Nurse