Next Season Is Crucial For Mathew Barzal and Islanders, Too
The 2021-22 season was a disappointment for Mathew Barzal and the New York Islanders. The 25-year-old had arguably the worst season in his short career, finishing with 15 goals and 44 assists in 73 games. Before the start of last season, Barzal was widely considered a top-50 player in the NHL. That is likely no longer the case. It is crucial for Barzal to get back on track in the 2022-23 season, not only for the Islanders, but for his personal future, as well.
Next season will be Barzal’s last year on his three-year bridge deal he signed in 2020. However, his next contract will not be a bridge deal, as he will probably be looking for a long-term contract. But he will have to put up similar numbers to his rookie year — 85 points in 82 games — to justify that big deal.
It will help that Barzal will be a restricted free agent. Therefore, the Islanders will not have to fully worry about another team trying to snatch Barzal away from the Island. There is still the possibility of an offer sheet, but that is rare. However, if Barzal has a great year and the team misses the playoffs, Lou Lamoriello the Islanders should think long and hard before giving Barzal that big contract.
For the Islanders to succeed, they will need Barzal to be at his best. Last season, Barzal was a big reason why the Islanders missed the postseason. The Islanders struggled to find offense from their top-line all year. As a matter of fact, their most effective forward offensively was Brock Nelson. Barzal will need to be the best player for the Islanders next season for the team to get back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The 2022-23 season will be important for Barzal and the Islanders. The success of both parties go hand-in-hand. Ignoring Barzal’s expiring contract, the Islanders and Barzal need to win. The success of Barzal and the Islanders next year will determine the course of the franchise and the player for the next few years.
If the team and Barzal experience success, the Islanders can continue to go all-in and Barzal can headline the roster. But if there is failure across the board, then there will be some hard decisions that will have to be made regarding the future of the franchise.
Hi, my name is Jack Kobil. I am currently attending Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington DC. I am a huge Islanders fan and I love to share my passion for this team.
