CALGARY, Alberta — Mathew Barzal is the presumptive winner of the Calder Trophy and will be a featured face of the Islanders for years to come, John Tavares or no John Tavares.
But Barzal also is 20, with creative energy that at times goes down counterproductive paths.
Hence coach Doug Weight and his staff face an ongoing balance in developing the rookie star — enjoying his gifts while working with him to sand off the rough edges.
The good news is that Weight said Barzal has been “100 percent” receptive.
“He wants to do the right things and he wants to learn,” the coach said on Saturday after the team practiced in Banff before busing here for Sunday’s game against the Flames.