Mathieu Darche has Mat Barzal decision to make for…
One of Mathieu Darche’s most important selections this summer time isn’t a decision at all, but a query that might immediate a number of: When the Islanders’ basic supervisor pulls up his crew’s depth chart, is Mat Barzal slotted as a proper wing or a centerman?
Surely, no matter what the reply is, Barzal probably will play both positions at numerous factors during the season relying on need.
That’s not the purpose.
The level is that where the Islanders need Barzal taking part in has a cascading impact on their offseason.
It’s the hinge level as to whether or not they view themselves as having enough depth to commerce a middle, or need to go get one as a substitute.
If the perfect-world situation for Darche is to keep Barzal on Bo Horvat’s proper wing — out of his natural place but a spot where the attention check and superior numbers alike show both gamers accessing the best variations of themselves over the previous two seasons — then the Islanders discover themselves with 4 bottom-six facilities, and needing somebody who can play on their second line.
Mat Barzal strikes the puck during an Islanders’ recreation against the Penguins in December 2024. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who stepped into the 2C spot out of need after the Islanders dealt away Brock Nelson at the commerce deadline, never appeared like a match there.
Granted, by that level in the season, the Islanders had been banged-up and practically everybody was taking part in up a line larger than would have been excellent, so you’ll be able to put a caveat on the information.
Still, Pageau was rolling along pre-trade deadline with a excellent 55.76 anticipated targets share, 54.51 corsi for share and 56.01 targets for share at five-on-five, per Evolving Hockey.
Post-deadline, his numbers fell off a cliff: 50.15 anticipated targets share, 49.83 targets for share, 46.29 corsi for share.
When you go additional down the depth chart, related points abound.
Casey Cizikas, Kyle MacLean and Calum Ritchie — assuming the 20-year-old Ritchie begins next season in the NHL and not the AHL — would all be well-suited to middle the fourth line.
Mathieu Darche addresses reporters during a press convention May 29, 2025. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
Cizikas’ numbers improved post-deadline final yr when he grew to become the 3C, but that had as a lot to do with finally getting to play down the center as anything — needing to play wing for most of the yr was a misadventure the Islanders would do effectively not to repeat
And, whether or not Barzal is at middle or not, at least one of those three would need to be moved out of place as issues stand proper now.
Cizikas’ 2024-25 season reveals the risk inherent there.
Mat Barzal scores a objective during the Islanders’ loss to the Flyers on Jan. 16, 2025. Robert Sabo for the NY Post
It’s true, and a cliché that it’s simpler to transfer a middle to wing than vice versa.
Still, the Islanders have simultaneous issues right here: too many facilities and no method of slotting everybody in their excellent positions.
One potential shortcut may very well be trading Pageau, whose identify has biannually popped up in the rumor mill for the previous few years.
With one yr left on his deal at $5 million and a 16-team no-trade clause, Pageau — who proved final season he still has a lot left in his tank and can help a crew immensely in the precise function — would have some worth if made obtainable.
Darche has appeared reluctant to bear a enormous roster makeover in his first summer time in the job, but whether or not or not dealing a 32-year-old participant on an expiring deal who could be a prime candidate to get moved at the commerce deadline anyway constitutes a main swing is in the attention of the beholder.
It’s a secure guess, however, that the Islanders usually are not comfy taking part in any of Cizikas, Ritchie or MacLean on the second line to begin the season.
So if they’re transferring Pageau, it means there’s a degree of consolation splitting up Horvat and Barzal to begin the season, even with the success they’ve achieved collectively.
That, or Darche believes an further $5 million might buy him somebody to remedy the issue on July 1.
Stay up to date with the newest trending topics! Visit our web site each day for the freshest Sports information and content material, rigorously curated to keep you knowledgeable.
