Good players can also make players around them better, he does not.
To a certain extent, but those players still have to have *something* that allows them to capitalize on the chances.
First off, Barzal's not McDavid/prime Crosby. So let's not even bother listing their linemates to try and prove a point.
Second, which "next tier" top line center plays with really bad players and still manages to elevate them? Of the players who are roughly on par with Barzal, which ones have similar linemates? Every player who one would argue is roughly in the same tier as Barzal has at least one good linemate. Which ones have same/worse