Now that John Tavares has gone back home to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the New York Islanders have a big hole to fill at center. Mathew Barzal can immediately take the 1-C position. But behind him in the depth chart are a number of not so good options.
After Barzal comes Brock Nelson and Casey Cizikas as bonafide centers. Neither should be entrusted with second-line responsibilities. At best Cizikas is a third line center, while Brock Nelson should in no way be playing down the middle.
Looking at free agency there’s also very little at the center position.