The most obvious Islanders captain option seems to be overlooked

The official departure of Anders Lee leaves an evident hole in the New York Islanders lineup. But it also leaves a clear hole in the team’s locker room.

In particular, we’re talking about who’s taking over the captaincy next season. It’s worth noting that Lee did an admirable job taking over from John Tavares. Tavares’ abrupt exit could have created a massive rift that no one would have been able to fill.

Lee did that. And the next Islanders’ captain will have to do a bit of that as well. While the most evident choice might seem to be Bo Horvat, there’s another Islanders cornerstone who could help bridge the gap for the franchise.

Enter Mathew Barzal.

Barzal has been a mainstay for the Islanders. He’s played 10 seasons for the club, racking up 611 career games, scoring 153 goals and 534 points. He’s also been clutch in the playoffs, accruing 60 games, totaling 17 goals and 45 points.

Those are the numbers that make Barzal one of the most successful members in the team’s current iteration. And because he’s been with the team for a decade and he’s been a key part of the franchise, Barzal should get the nod as the next team captain.

He’s a solid leader, even if he isn’t the most outspoken or animated guy on the squad. Barzal has shown that he can carry the weight of expectations that come with being a former first-round pick.

But there’s another key reason why Barzal should get serious consideration as captain.

Barzal should remain with Islanders for a while

Barzal should remain with the Islanders for a while. He’s currently entering the fourth year of an eight-year deal. He’s got a 22-team no-trade clause, and by the looks of things, doesn’t seem to be keen on going anywhere.

That’s why Barzal is a clear choice to be the team captain. The organization would be hard-pressed to find anyone more committed to the Islanders than Barzal.

Again, it seems like it might only be a matter of time before Matthe Schaefer gets to wear the “C”. But let’s be honest. Schaefer is still a teenager. So, the weight of the responsibility as team captain might be a bit too much for him at this time.

Barzla makes total sense. He’s 29 and could very well be the figurehead for the team for the next half-decade.

Let’s hope the organization sees the value and importance of making Barzal the official leader by anointing him with the captaincy next season.

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