Mathew Barzal’s Calder Trophy win from last season was the first time the New York Islanders won a major trophy since Michael Peca won the Selke trophy in 2002. Barzal’s Calder was a shot of confidence for a fanbase who desperately needed it.
For years the Islanders were a failed franchise with very little positivity on or off the ice. Not since the New York Islanders, golden days were they respected in the league. hey had a few glimmers here and there, but nothing sustained.
The fact that the New York Islanders have Mathew Barzal lessens the blow of losing Tavares to the Toronto Maple Leafs.