Mathew Barzal, the Islanders’ most gifted forward, went to St. Louis in 2020 to represent the Islanders in the All-Star Game and competed in the fastest skater competition.

His biggest opponent was two-time Hart Trophy winner and three-time Art Ross Trophy winner Connor McDavid. He’s widely regarded as the league’s best player and had won the last three fastest skater competitions. Yet, Barzal defeated him by less than a tenth of a second. 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there was no All-Star game last season. This weekend’s event will be the first since Barzal’s victory. However, a different player will represent the Islanders this time around. Although Ilya Sorokin is arguably the reason the Islanders have any remote chance of making the playoffs, the NHL chose defenseman Adam Pelech.

This seemed like it would end any chance Barzal had to defend his crown for fastest skater. But, some hope was reborn when the NHL stepped out of their comfort zone to do something they haven’t done in years. Although not selected into the All-Star game, Anaheim Ducks rookie Trevor Zegras was invited to Las Vegas to compete in the Breakaway Challenge. 

In fact, the NHL reportedly asked another Islander other than Pelech to participate. The NHL requested Islanders’ 44-year-old defenseman Zdeno Chara’s presence at the Hardest Shot Challenge. Chara’s 108.8 mph slapshot from the All-Star game in 2012 still stands as the NHL record; a record he took from… Zdeno Chara.  However the veteran “politely declined” according to Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek.

So if the NHL is willing to include Zegras and Chara, why not Barzal? Zegras and Chara may be fan-favorites throughout the league, but I believe the NHL should have at least invited Barzal and given him an opportunity to defend his crown. What do you think?

Ben Kule

Die-Hard Islanders fan and writer from Plainview, Long Island, NY. I have a passion and knowledge for this team and I enjoy sharing that with others