New York Islanders Mathew Barzal Potential Outcomes For 2017-18

Trade Him

We heard just yesterday from Eyes on Isles contributor Chris Lizza on why he wouldn’t trade Mathew Barzal straight up for Matt Duchene.

Must Read: Barzal for Duchene A No Go

But what if Garth feels that Barzal didn’t learn his lesson following last seasons dismissal back tot he WHL?

Barzal started the 2016-17 on fire. He earned a roster spot right out of training camp and forcing NHL veteran and newly acquired free agent P.A. Parenteau through waivers. Only to play two games with the Isles before being sent back to WHL.

There wasn’t any official word from the Isles as to why they sent him back, but we all remember Barzal playing the puck while in the box on game number two of the season. A clear lapse of judgment on Barzal’s behalf who let the occasion get the best of him.

Talking to NHL.com’s Brian Compton just recently, Barzal confirms that he was a “bit star struck” on that first venture into a competitive NHL game:

"Last year, I was maybe a little star-struck sometimes playing against [Nicklas] Backstrom and [Alex] Ovechkin and those guys. This year, I just want to hopefully come in and not kind of feel that, just feel like I belong and that I can really play with those guys."

The last part of that quote is the crucial one. Garth needs to know that Barzal can handle the big stage. And if he feels that Barzal can’t, then a trade might just be the best outcome.