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Islanders: What you need to know about offer sheets and Mathew Barzal

ByMichel Anderson|
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 28: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on February 28, 2019 in Uniondale City. The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 6-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 28: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on February 28, 2019 in Uniondale City. The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 6-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 18: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders during the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Islanders defeated the Coyotes 3-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Why Offer Sheet Barzal?

Barzal is a great player. Not only is he the best player for the New York Islanders, but he might also be the best player on most NHL teams. Adding him to any roster would be an upgrade for any team.

Two firsts, a second, and a third would totally be worth it if the return is Barzal. Jean-Gabriel Pageau just went for a lottery-protected first, a second and a conditional third.

Since joining the NHL Mathew Barzal has 207 points to his name. He’s tied with Evgeny Kuznetsov and Jakub Voracek at 31st overall in points since 2017-18.

Barzal has been typically an assist first player, but this year, he’s added more goals to his game. Through 68 games he has 19 goals to his name. He’s likely to exceed his career-high of 22 from that Calder winning 2017-18 season.

He’s also directing more puck towards the net. Through 68 games he already has 171 shots on net. That puts him on pace for 206 shots on goal. His career-high is 179 shots on goal from last season.

Barzal is one of the best offensive playmakers in the league. His ability to keep the puck alive and moving in the offensive zone is top-five in the league. Again, adding him to any roster is a clear upgrade.

There’s also the argument that forcing the Islanders to match an offer sheet could essentially toss a live grenade into their salary structure and mess with everything. It’s possible but unlikely that a team would do that.

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