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New York Islanders: 3 Options To Help Mathew Barzal In 2019-2020

By Matt O'Leary
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 29: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 4-0.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 29: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 4-0.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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VANCOUVER, BC – JANUARY 16: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins #93 of the Edmonton Oilers in NHL action against the Vancouver Canucks on January, 16, 2019 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Perhaps signing a free agent isn’t the best approach. If Ryan Dzingel and Michael Ferland are the best the Islanders can get in here you may have to go back to the trade market and look at Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

The Oilers are a mediocre team with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins eating up $6 million for the next two years after this one. At just 25-years-old he is still in the prime of his career and can yield a nice return for Edmonton who can use affordable help.

A draft day move seems to make the most sense:

This seems like a fair value deal for both sides, the rebuilding Oilers get a first round pick, a 21-year-old Beauvillier and an electrifying prospect in Josh Ho-Sang, who the Isles seem to have no use for.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has 58 points (22 goals, 36 assists) in 68 games this year. He’s on pace for 70 points this season which would be the first time he’s eclipsed the 60 point mark let alone the 70 point mark.

Nugent-Hopkins – Barzal – Bellows

Lee – Nelson – Bailey

Ladd – Koivula – Komarov

Martin – Cizikas – Clutterbuck

Now that looks like a much better lineup that the Islanders can work with. Of the three options, the trade seems like the best move. It might end up taking a while for a big name guy to come here so improve via the trade if you have to.

Next. Goals per game since the trade deadline

Regardless, Mathew Barzal deserves better on his line. We can’t have a repeat of the John Tavares era and I trust Lou Lamoriello to realize that.

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