C Mathew Barzal - Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL (2015, 16th, NYI) III

[My3Sons]

The talent was easy to project but the impact so soon was not.

I would have been happy with a 45-50pt season from him coming into the season. Everyone always felt he had #1 Center potential. That’s why he was a none starter in trade discussions for Duchene.

I don’t disagree the talent was there. That said I think he projects differently now than he would if he broke into the league as a 50 point player with maybe 15 goals over a full season. If he finishes his rookie season with 83-85 points on a non playoff team that will likely be mailing it in shortly he starts to look like a potential 100 point player in a couple of years on a better team. That would be a fantastic progression and more than most who watched him over the last few years would have predicted. Isles have a heck of a player to build around even if JT leaves.

 

[Instant]

What’s gonna happen to the “he’s sheltered” argument when Tavares - who he was already outplaying - is put on his wing?

I don't think it's an argument against Barzal in any way, it's just... a fact? I obviously want him to be the greatest player he could be, I wish him all the best, but it's still a fact.

Also, not to rain on your parade or anything, but the Caps sent their top line against Barzal a few times during the last two games and he wasn't as impressive as he used to.

 

[SI90]

I don’t disagree the talent was there. That said I think he projects differently now than he would if he broke into the league as a 50 point player with maybe 15 goals over a full season. If he finishes his rookie season with 83-85 points on a non playoff team that will likely be mailing it in shortly he starts to look like a potential 100 point player in a couple of years on a better team. That would be a fantastic progression and more than most who watched him over the last few years would have predicted. Isles have a heck of a player to build around even if JT leaves.

I think he has 100pt talent but that’s not easy to accomplish. If he settles in as a 75-85 point game changing center I will be happy and I think hats more realistic. Either way, points aside he still makes an impact on the game every shift and is a constant threat. He also brings a lot when he is t scoring or putting up points. He’s such a great possession player.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

The argument will become “ well he’s playing on the same line as John Tavares “

While outscoring Tavares. The make beleaf critiques are amusing aren't they?

 

[SI90]

I don't think it's an argument against Barzal in any way, it's just... a fact? I obviously want him to be the greatest player he could be, I wish him all the best, but it's still a fact.

Also, not to rain on your parade or anything, but the Caps sent their top line against Barzal a few times during the last two games and he wasn't as impressive as he used to.

Caps dominated the islanders and Barzal had 3pts in 2 games. He looked okay to me

 

[Instant]

Caps dominated the islanders and Barzal had 3pts in 2 games. He looked okay to me

I didn't say he wasn't effective, I said he wasn't as impressive on the ice and these are two different things?

 

[SI90]

I didn't say he wasn't effective, I said he wasn't as impressive on the ice and these are two different things?

And I said he looked okay too me

 

[Instant]

And I said he looked okay too me

He wasn't doing as much of his little tricks, he couldn't hold on to a puck as much as he used to, small things.

 

[Pancakes]

Not sure he's a good enough goal scorer to be a 100 point guy ever in the NHL.

 

[SI90]

He wasn't doing as much of his little tricks, he couldn't hold on to a puck as much as he used to, small things.

That’s fair.

 

[BoHorvat 53]

I don’t disagree the talent was there. That said I think he projects differently now than he would if he broke into the league as a 50 point player with maybe 15 goals over a full season. If he finishes his rookie season with 83-85 points on a non playoff team that will likely be mailing it in shortly he starts to look like a potential 100 point player in a couple of years on a better team. That would be a fantastic progression and more than most who watched him over the last few years would have predicted. Isles have a heck of a player to build around even if JT leaves.

I'd say he hits that in his peak season if everything goes right and he's playing with another superstar caliber player regularly on his line.

 

[SniperHF]

Not a prospect anymore, moving on.