New York Islanders fans face the ultimate “what if”—could Mathew Barzal really be on the trade block, and would parting with their dynamic forward shake the very foundation of the franchise? Gil Martin weighs the ripple effect of a potential Barzal trade, spotlighting his $9.15 million cap hit, impact on the power play, and the challenges of retooling a roster beset by no-trade clauses and underperforming veterans like Anders Lee, Brayden Schenn, and Ondrej Palat.
Plus, will Ilya Sorokin’s late-season slump cost him the Vezina Trophy after strong contention most of the year? Key segments break down the Islanders’ stalled culture, Patrick Roy’s coaching tenure, and what’s needed in return if Barzal is moved—think top-six goal scorer, prospects, and picks. Tune in for a sharp look at the Islanders’ offseason crossroads and the tough decisions facing GM Mathieu Darche
All this and more on today’s Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.
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23 Comments
Barzal is not the problem with this team. He’s one if the bright spots. He needs some more skill around him so he doesn’t feel so much pressure to create. I’d like to see what he, Eklund and Holstrom could do as a line together.
Spot on about Barzal-I blame him for the slide that began w/the loss to Chicago-he tries to make the pretty play, DeAngelo gets hurt on the play tryng to get back, and is out for several games, Chicago scores and opens the flood gates and the score is 4-1. DeAngelo's impact this year was underatted IMO.
I would definitely trade him for youth..dont sign Lee that's another 7 million.
Why should Vasilevsky win the Vezina? Sorokin was the reason we won many games; yeah we lost the five, but still he carried the team on his back. That's what the award is about.
wow I said that last June, all 30 and over must go even though he is 29, strip the team of all these old farts…. Gil come on there are at least 5 goalies better than him, he has no chance, I even heard one islander pod caster say he thinks Matt should win the Norris, are you freaking kidding …he sucks at defense. Islander fans wake up be real, Norris?..
The history of NHL teams trading star players with NTC or partial is awful because other teams have the leverage. What tends to happen is that the package of the team is typically C- to B-. The only viable option is perhaps St Louis if Barzal wants to go there for Jordan Kyrou makes sense as both are skilled forwards who have fallen out of favor. Or the Islanders try to maximize the value of Barzal by acquiring a Sniper with speed. That's probably the best option. At times it always seems that part of barzals problem is that he doesn't trust his teammates
Brazy all so has wave a no trade. Brazy need to shoot the puck more
If The Islanders can trade Barzal and can get a first round pick that brings us Ethan Belchez … 6 foot 5 , 226 pound winger I am all down for that. Islanders desperately need size, skill, nasty, with extreme competitiveness. Taking a step back to go 2 or 3 steps forward for an aging Barzal is the right move! Any fan thinking that trading Mayfield, Engvall, Duke, or anyone in that caliber brings top talent back is obviously not happening. Yes we need to get out of bad Lou contracts but it will take time. So if we can trade Barzal to land a pick that Brings Belchez I am all for that! Then add a center with our first pick one with size like Maddox! This could be a game changer sooner then later
One report say that Brazy has trade value
I can’t handle anything about the end of this season
Perrie should get brought out but Lou gave him a long term deal
I love Barzy AND he drives me nuts. Thought this year was best since rookie year BUT he still needs another 100 SOG. IF he was to be traded for a young great goal scorer I can live with it. For instance DeBrincat for Barzy as they ALSO stated a breaking up the core in Detroit. It would have to be a good situation for both teams to trade a player of his caliber BUT we have way too many pass first guys. Great show Gil LGI
And some players have a 10 to 16 team that could be traded to
Concerning the current roster of signed players and what went on at the end of the year, only 30 and 48 should be untouchable. 13 certainly not a 9 million guy. Problem is I'm sure all the other gm's know that too.
Yea trade one of the fastest players on a slow and goal starved team. That should work out well
He gives it away because he always has the puck
Anders Lee never has the puck. I would bet he has very few give aways.
So that stat on its own is worthless.
Gil a team would have agree to takeover his salary
159 goals in 611 games….yup
People mistake his speed and stick handling with making this team better. Too many players watch him skate and skate and skate with the puck. Tell me another NHL superstar that does this. If what he does is so special Team Canada would have selected him first for the Olympics. Most times he's like an out of control 18 wheeler going down the highway. Picture him flying down the ice on the power play trying to will the puck into the zone more likely turning the puck over. He looks like he's supposed to be a superstar so they feel like he has to run their PP. Thomas Hickey gave a stat of the PP over the last 8 seasons. Horrible. Who is the common denominator? Its time for a change of scenery. I'd rather run the PP by committee. By the way age means very little. You need veterans. Just the right ones. You know some of the oldest teams in the league? Colorado, Vegas, Minnesota and Tampa. And also the Islanders and the Red Wings. Two of the younger teams? Vancouver and Montreal. I have no problem with vets for a year or two. Its the Engvall's and Mayfield's that are a killer.
Good morning team! Gil, I have to admit, this is a tough one for me. I like Barzy a lot, but when you rebuild/retool a team you can't be a fan. It has to come down to production. It just hasn't been there. That's not just for specific players, that standard is for everyone. These are 3 hard facts, out of many, that needs to be at the cornerstone of every rebuild. One, if the GM is not finding the players that have the talent to win games and legit compete for a Stanley Cup, then why keep that GM? Two, If the GM does build a team that can compete for the Cup, but as a team, they play like a second tier team, why do we still have that coach? Three, if an individual player is holding back the rest of the team from being successful, why is that player on the big team? As for the Vezina Trophy, I believe there are a few goalies that would be deserving, but in my opinion, no other goalie has done more, with less, than Sorokin. He's my pick, but we all know there will be someone else picked for the trophy. Disappointing to say the least. Everyone, have a great day and weekend! Looking forward to seeing you all Monday. Until then.. Let's Go Islanders!!
Thanks Gil for your insight! you expressed our frustration perfectly, the worst thing that could have happened this year was the over production of an aging group, they fooled Darche, and the Palat/Schenn deals just made things more difficult. The next 6 months will determine the future of this organization for the next 5 years.
Bye.
They were trying to give Vasilevsky the Vezina even before Ilya tired out. So, for the second time he'll finish second behind a goalie with an infinitely superior team and D in front of him.
If they get rid of barzel everyone should be fired… End of conversation