Ben Shelley: Islanders sign Mathew Barzal to eight-year contract extension

Lou paying for potential over results.

I understand why the Isles did what they did. However, I think this was an over payment. His Contract should be at most 8.25 per. He is not the guy that can put a team on his back. If the Isles want that guy they better upgrade their wings around him.

Fair market considering the other deals being signed. Though it hasn't shown up in pts as much I think he's a player that can be built around, possible steal if this coaching change works in his favour.

I understand why the Isles did what they did. However, I think this was an over payment. His Contract should be at most 8.25 per. He is not the guy that can put a team on his back. If the Isles want that guy they better upgrade their wings around him.
- Nfdbulldawg

I think in the 8 mill range would have been better. Barzal is a fine player but he is not on Crosby's level or even JT's level. Barzal was not drafted #1 overall like they were. Nothing embarrassing with Barzal needing better talent around him.

It’s a solid signing, couldn’t let him walk for free like Tavares did, but didn’t take a team friendly deal, and he doesn’t even have the worst 9 mil contract in the NHL.
Jeff Skinner in Buffalo holds that title even after his rebound season.

I think in the 8 mill range would have been better. Barzal is a fine player but he is not on Crosby's level or even JT's level. Barzal was not drafted #1 overall like they were. Nothing embarrassing with Barzal needing better talent around him.
- ses111

I’m hoping he has a strong season and makes it look great. I think he’s going to have a good season.

I’m hoping he has a strong season and makes it look great. I think he’s going to have a good season.
- Cptmjl

Hopefully Barzal has a strong season Cpt. I just do not see monster numbers and especially with the defensive system the Isles will likely still play. The Isles do not seem to be built for big offensive numbers overall.

Hopefully Barzal has a strong season Cpt. I just do not see monster numbers and especially with the defensive system the Isles will likely still play. The Isles do not seem to be built for big offensive numbers overall.
- ses111

He needs/we need him to be a consistent 80 point player. He’s capable the kid has incredible talent. He’ll breakout it’s just a question of when imo.

Lou paying for potential over results.
- HenryHockey

Lou is Magical

Barzal is the best player I have seen in an Islander's jersey in 20 years. He is exciting every time he is on the ice. He has elite talent and will continue to improve as he gets older barring injury.... It's a great deal for Islanders and anyone saying differently doesn't watch him enough... I expected a double digit number if they went 8 years.

Barzal is the best player I have seen in an Islander's jersey in 20 years. He is exciting every time he is on the ice. He has elite talent and will continue to improve as he gets older barring injury.... It's a great deal for Islanders and anyone saying differently doesn't watch him enough... I expected a double digit number if they went 8 years.
- niteislander

You were expecting 10 million plus per year?

He is the young player they can continue to build the young core around while still maintaining the older core on their older contracts. Hope is the younger draftees will step into forward spots in near future. Good move by Lou and ownership to look to future and Barzal wants to be here.

Lots of cuts coming today

Lots of cuts coming today
- eichiefs9

But is today “the day!”?

But is today “the day!”?
- Wildschwein

I can confirm that today is a day

I guess I'm surprised so many don't see Barzal as a $9m/yr player in this league. I think any team in need of a 1C would gladly pay that for him, and, frankly, I'd take Barzal over quite a few centers out there who are making from $9.5m/yr to $11m.

I guess if you're just looking at point totals, that explains it. But the Isles are...well...sort of unique with how they approach the whole offense thing. Just like goalies get an "Islander bump" to their stats because of the system the team plays, I think forwards get somewhat of an "Islander penalty."

Lou paying for potential over results.
- HenryHockey

Thats literally every GM with every contract.

I guess I'm surprised so many don't see Barzal as a $9m/yr player in this league. I think any team in need of a 1C would gladly pay that for him, and, frankly, I'd take Barzal over quite a few centers out there who are making from $9.5m/yr to $11m.

I guess if you're just looking at point totals, that explains it. But the Isles are...well...sort of unique with how they approach the whole offense thing. Just like goalies get an "Islander bump" to their stats because of the system the team plays, I think forwards get somewhat of an "Islander penalty."
- UIF

His point totals aren't even remotely bad, unless someone just looked at his actual totals without taking into account games played.

Going by points per game:

2017-18: 1.04
2018-19: .76
2019-20: .88
2020-21: .82
2021-22: .81

It may not make him a top superstar, but he's still a star player that's been playing under a coach that played a very defense-first system. With a little more freedom and, hopefully, some better talent on his line eventually...I'd expect his point totals to rise to where they probably should be

I guess I'm surprised so many don't see Barzal as a $9m/yr player in this league. I think any team in need of a 1C would gladly pay that for him, and, frankly, I'd take Barzal over quite a few centers out there who are making from $9.5m/yr to $11m.

I guess if you're just looking at point totals, that explains it. But the Isles are...well...sort of unique with how they approach the whole offense thing. Just like goalies get an "Islander bump" to their stats because of the system the team plays, I think forwards get somewhat of an "Islander penalty."
- UIF

I think it is the points UIF and the Isles do play a very unique defensive system which makes offense more of a challenge. We saw the same thing with Barry's Preds teams.

His point totals aren't even remotely bad, unless someone just looked at his actual totals without taking into account games played.

Going by points per game:

2017-18: 1.04
2018-19: .76
2019-20: .88
2020-21: .82
2021-22: .81

It may not make him a top superstar, but he's still a star player that's been playing under a coach that played a very defense-first system. With a little more freedom and, hopefully, some better talent on his line eventually...I'd expect his point totals to rise to where they probably should be
- eichiefs9

Have to agree chief. We are not suppose to talk about more talent needed on the Islanders though.

Lots of cuts coming today
- eichiefs9

Cold?

Lou paying for potential over results.
- HenryHockey

Eh. Tough to see "Potential" when the guy is 25.

Andrew Gross @AGrossNewsday
20s
So, if my math is right (and it usually isn't), #Isles cut down from 44 to 29(ish)

Looks like Raty, Dufour, Holmstrom, Durandeau, Schneider, Wotherspoon among those headed to Bridgeport (AHL)

Eh. Tough to see "Potential" when the guy is 25.
- BINGO!

Yes he practically needs a walker to get around these days