Mat Barzal’s Role: A Critical Decision for the Islanders’ Offseason

Understanding Barzal’s Position: Center or Right Wing?

As the New York Islanders enter a pivotal offseason, one question looms large: Where will Mat Barzal be positioned? Will he play as a center or a right wing? This decision isn’t just about Barzal; it has significant implications for the team’s depth chart and overall strategy.

The Impact of Barzal’s Placement

No matter where Barzal starts, it’s likely he’ll shuffle between roles throughout the season based on the Islanders’ needs. However, the organization’s preferred setup for him could influence their offseason moves:

• Keeping Barzal on Bo Horvat’s Right Wing: If the Islanders decide to maintain this pairing, they risk having too many centers and may need to search for a second-line player.

Current Depth Chart Analysis

The Islanders’ depth chart shows a conundrum with Jean-Gabriel Pageau stepping into the second-line center role last season. After the team traded away Brock Nelson, Pageau’s performance didn’t reflect an ideal fit:

• Pre-Trade Deadline Performance:

  • Expected Goals Percentage: 55.76
  • Goals For Percentage: 54.51
  • Corsi For Percentage: 56.01
• Post-Trade Deadline Decline:
  • Expected Goals Percentage: 50.15
  • Goals For Percentage: 49.83
  • Corsi For Percentage: 46.29

This drop suggests that relying on Pageau as a center may not yield the performance the Islanders need as they aim for a playoff push.

Bottom-Six Center Situation

The Islanders face challenges further down the lineup:

• Casey Cizikas: Improved numbers after transitioning to the 3C role, indicating his potential as a solid center, especially when not required to play wing.

• Young Talent: Calum Ritchie could step into the roster if he doesn’t start in the AHL, adding further complexity to the lineup.

Potential Solutions to the Depth Dilemma

The Islanders are caught in a web of too many centers and not enough slots for each. Here are strategies they might consider:

1. Trading Jean-Gabriel Pageau: With one year left on his contract at $5 million and a 16-team no-trade clause, Pageau could be a valuable asset for a team seeking experience.

   • Value Proposition: His strong performance could draw interest from contenders looking to bolster their rosters.

2. Reassessing Barzal’s Placement: Moving Barzal could allow more flexibility within the lineup, leading to potential trades for a second-line winger.

3. Investing in Midfield Talent: If Darche is willing to explore the market, an additional $5 million could open up opportunities to acquire a proven second liner.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for the Islanders?

As they navigate a crowded center position, the Islanders face tough decisions that could significantly influence their success next season. The choice to trade Pageau, adjust Barzal’s role, or acquire new talent will define their strategy moving forward.

Stay tuned as the offseason unfolds, and the Islanders solidify their lineup in anticipation of the upcoming season.

For more insights and updates on the Islanders’ strategies, visit NHL News or follow the latest reports and analyses through Sportsnet.