Heading into the season the second line center position seemed like it was going to be a weakness. The New York Islanders had two candidates to fill the role, Brock Nelson and Mathew Barzal and there was a real debate as to who deserved the shot.
Brock Nelson was the established NHL player, who had a very obvious ceiling for his production. Barzal was the wild card, a prospect with immense talent who looked overmatched in his first stint with the team last year.
The once perceived hole became the Islanders best strength. Mathew Barzal had a rookie season for the ages at the second line center position.