Mathew Barzal’s name is making the rounds this offseason and not without reason. The 27-year-old center for the New York Islanders is reportedly on the trade radar after another underwhelming season for the team.
With a $9.15 million annual cap hit and a new general manager at the helm, the Islanders are now at a pivotal crossroads.
The franchise’s disappointing finish to the 2024-25 campaign and their recent draft lottery luck may lead to a full-scale roster shake-up, and Barzal could be a central piece in that plan.
Trade Rumors Swirl Around Islanders Star Mathew Barzal
Barzal played just 30 games this season, sidelined for the final 10 weeks due to injuries. Without him, the Islanders limped to the finish line, winning only three of their last 14 games.
Despite their playoff hopes, they ended up near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
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The silver lining? They landed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. With no consensus top choice, that selection becomes even more valuable: either to keep or use as trade capital.
The change in front-office leadership also signals a potential shift in philosophy. Former GM Lou Lamoriello was known for sticking the course. That’s already changing under new GM Mathieu Darche, who could look to reshape the roster entirely.
Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin points out that Barzal’s age, skill, and contract make him a prime candidate for a “change-of-scenery” trade.
Why A Mathew Barzal Trade Makes Sense for the Islanders
At 27, Barzal still has plenty left in the tank. He’s a gifted puckhandler with elite skating ability, but injuries and a conservative system have slowed his progress in recent seasons. Larkin suggests that Barzal could thrive in a system that offers more offensive freedom, making him an attractive asset for other teams.
The Islanders, meanwhile, are in a rare position of leverage. They can either use the first overall pick to jumpstart a rebuild or trade key veterans like Barzal for future assets. With a rising cap ceiling, Barzal’s $9.15 million AAV isn’t as burdensome as it once might have been, increasing the likelihood of a blockbuster deal.
There’s also reported interest from teams like the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames. A potential swap involving Elias Pettersson, who also struggled this year, has been floated by analysts, citing mutual benefits for both players and franchises.
Barzal, a British Columbia native, could welcome a move back west, and the Islanders would gain a fresh look down the middle.
Even with a 22-team no-trade clause, Barzal could be open to a reset, especially if it means joining a team with a more dynamic playing style. Whether it’s Vancouver, Calgary, or another surprise contender, all eyes are now on GM Darche as the NHL Draft approaches.
The Islanders’ plans don’t hinge solely on Barzal. Their top pick gives them flexibility, whether that’s using it to select a top-tier prospect or packaging it in a trade. With no clear No. 1 player in this year’s class, forwards like Michael Misa, James Hagens, and Porter Martone are all in the mix alongside defenseman Matthew Schaefer.
In the bigger picture, New York’s offseason will likely revolve around establishing a new identity. Whether that includes Mathew Barzal or not remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: the franchise is gearing up for a summer of change, and their star center could be at the heart of it.
Nobody is going to trade Barzal.
Yes trade Barzal for a top pick or a first next year . Not someone in his late 20s!!!! Let’s go Islanders!!!!
Yes trade Barzal but for a top player in the draft or a first next year . We don’t want someone looking for a new home that’s in his late 20s . Let’s go Islanders!!!!
Then go all in and sign marner
The islanders should trade Barzal to Utah for the #4 overall pick in this year’s draft