With the dust starting to finally settle on John Tavares, the spotlight is undoubtedly on Mat Barzal. It’s pretty obvious too.
The New York Islanders’ reigning Calder winner was always going to succeed Tavares should he leave. Barzal finished the season with 85 points, one more than the Islanders’ former captain.
However, unlike last year, in this upcoming season, Barzal is going to face other team’s best defensemen. Barzal was the second line center this past season and since he is now going to the first line, he will have to up his game. Barzal has the potential to be a 100-point scorer.