Rumors have linked the New York Islanders to Nazem Kadri for several weeks now. Given their need to free up salary-cap space if they’re to sign the 31-year-old center, it’s been suggested they move Mathew Barzal in a cost-cutting trade.
Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy recently took to Twitter pitching a hypothetical deal that sends the 25-year-old Barzal to the Detroit Red Wings. He felt it would help the Isles win now by clearing space for Kadri while addressing their future with a return of promising youth from the Wings.
Barzal is slated to become a restricted free agent next summer with arbitration rights. He’ll also be a year away from unrestricted free agent eligibility. Murphy’s colleague Stefan Rosner reported there’s been no word of contract extension talks between the young center and Isles management.
Barzal indicated he’d love to sign a long-term deal during his end-of-season media session. Nevertheless, Rosner believes it’s important for the Isles to determine if he remains part of their long-term future. They don’t want to see him depart as a free agent like John Tavares did four years ago.
The Red Wings, meanwhile, have to deal with Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi as both forwards are slated to become UFAs next summer. If one or both appear headed to market, perhaps Wings management would be interested in trading for Barzal.
For now, the Islanders can find better options to shed salary than shipping out Barzal for pennies on the dollar if they wish to make room for Kadri. They could package Josh Bailey or Anthony Beauvillier with a draft pick to clear the necessary cap space.
