Report: New York Islanders In Advanced Trade Talks To Deal Mat Barzal

The New York Islanders could be in for some major roster changes this summer. Reports indicate that Isles general manager Mathieu Darche has been in contact with several teams regarding forward Mat Barzal.

Bruce Garrioch: A league executive told The Citizen that the Islanders are exploring the market for forward Mathew Barzal - Ottawa Citizen (6/1)

Barzal, 29, is signed through the 2031 season at $9.1 million AAV, and owns a 22-team no-trade list. This past season, the veteran speedy forward appeared in 81 games, scoring 19 goals and adding 53 assists, for 72 points. Barzal averaged 20:39 of ice-time, which was the third season in a row he's played more than 20 minutes a night.

Barzal's certainly going to be one of the bigger names available on the trade market, in what's supposed to be one of the crazier offseasons in recent history, thanks in large part to the salary cap going up $8.5 million. Barzal's going to draw a ton of interest, and expectation is he'll get dealt to the Western Conference.

The Vancouver Canucks could be involved here as Barzal is from the area, and they have Elias Pettersson, who hasn't lived up to expectations at all over the course of the last couple of seasons. The Seattle Kraken, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, and Anaheim Ducks are all expected to be in touch with the Isles.

The Islanders want to clear some cap space, so what about Mason McTavish and his $7 million AAV from Anaheim? The Kings have big holes to fill up front. Lots of questions left unanswered, but one things for sure, Barzal is on the trade market this summer.

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