New York Islanders rookie Mathew Barzal is having a great season. Through 17 games in the 2017-18 season, Barzal has 14 points. He’s currently tied for second in terms of rookie scoring and is on pace for 68 points.
His success might just come from an understanding between the team and Barzal as to what his role on the team should be. A pass-first playmaker.
It sounds crazy to think of Barzal of anything less. But let’s be honest we all know that under Jack Capuano the understanding was that Barzal was a rookie that needed to earn ice time.