We know how good Mathew Barzal was last season. For 82 games he dazzled with his speed and creativity. Barzal was one of a few bright spots for the New York Islanders in 2018-19.
The Calder Trophy winner in 2018 was not only the best rookie in the league he was one of its better players. As the NHL gets faster and more skilled he’s exactly what the Islanders need to compete.
But as we saw with the EA Sports rankings for NHL 19, Islanders players don’t always get the attention they deserve.