5 Possible Trade Destinations for Islanders $73M Forward

If the rumors about Mathew Barzal potentially being on the trade block are even remotely true, there will be several suitors who kick tires on the dynamic forward. His $9.15 million cap hit with four years remaining is not for everyone. Still, the rising salary cap and some teams’ pressing needs for additional scoring –he posted 72 points (19G-53A) in 81 games this past season — there will be interested parties.

Speculation suggests the Islanders are exploring the market to create cap space. Between the need and financial wherewithal to make a deal, which teams make the most sense as a potential landing spot? Barzal has a 22-team modified no-trade list, so it’s important to remember this list is speculative, if for no other reason than he can shoot down many of teams suggested.

Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks are the first obvious choice for a few reasons. First, Barzal is from Coquitlam, BC. The idea that he might be interested in “coming home” always makes for a fun narrative. Second, the Canucks are rebuilding and could stand to bring in a star player who is still young enough to be part of their long-term plans. Third, Barzal could play as a one-two punch at center with Elias Pettersson.

Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens are not afraid to take big swings, and after this past playoff run, GM Kent Hughes might be even more enticed to add a piece that could fill an immediate need. The Canadiens need another top-six center. If Barzal was possible, having Nick Suzuki and Barzal as a one-two punch would make the Habs dangerous.

What Montreal would have to trade here is the factor here. Hughes says he’s not keen to trade important pieces from his current lineup. That said, it would take moving something of value to get Barzal.

Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators want to keep pushing. They have some strong pieces like Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk. What would Barzal do for their offense if added?

Or, what happens if the rumors surrounding Brady Tkachuk are true? If he’s destined to be moved out despite the organization maintaining they aren’t thinking about trading him, the Senators will need offense. Wouldn’t it be something if a three-team trade involved the Islanders, Senators, and Florida Panthers?

Minnesota Wild

Speaking of teams looking for another center, the Minnesota Wild are among the most obvious. GM Bill Guerin traded one to get Quinn Hughes. Now, he needs to bring one back to keep the defenseman from exploring his options. The Wild have the need and the cap space to add Barzal. Most of their pending UFAs are not essential to keep so money doesn’t have to be allocated to the likes of Vladimir Tarasenko, Nick Foligno, Marcos Johansson, or even the 38-year-old Mats Zuccarello.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs want to bump John Tavares down to the position of third-line center and bring in someone who fits better in the two-slot. If Auston Matthews decides to leave, Toronto will need a player who can play that 1C role. That’s Barzal.

Adding him would create huge buzz in Leafs Nation where new GM John Chayka wants to make a splash and convince Matthews to commit to the team. The tough part is the cap situation. It is notoriously difficult. Only if they could move a player like Morgan Rielly or clear out other cap space could they fit someone like Barzal onto the roster. That is, unless Max Domi goes on LTIR, which clears up extra room for the Leafs to make a bigger move.

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