Wait a minute, is this the off-season? A trade involving Matthew Barzal and Elias Pettersson?
Sorry, I've never been a person to beat around the bush. I am a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy (except I am a vegetarian). Most people feel that an overhaul is not possible; a shake-up is more plausible.
Going on that premise, if Elias Pettersson comes on the market and the price involves Matthew Barzal, would you bite? A few facts for you: Pettersson has not been the same player for the last two years. His stats have dropped to 49 and 45 points, respectively. Before that, though, he was nearly a point-per-game player for 6 seasons, topping off at 102 points in the 2022-23 season. Pettersson has been forced to change scenery in years past, a move that could revive his career. He is still in his prime.
Matthew has been a steady player, reliable throughout his career. Although his best year was 83 points, Matthew has been the better player over the last two years. This year, he scored 71 points, and, of course, he only had 30 because of an injury. He is 28 years old. He has had two 80-point seasons.
Each player is an offensive juggernaut. Both can skate and create scoring chances. Both are playmakers and leaders of the dressing rooms who can say they need a change of scenery. If this came up, would you be tempted?
Final Word
When it came down to it, the Islanders ran out of firepower. Will offensive issues be addressed in the summer? Will the Isles have a new backup for Sorokin? Then there are the vets: Who goes and who stays? The off-season will be an interesting one to watch!
Randy
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