The hockey world has been on a low buzz regarding the concept that the New York Islanders somehow have to clear cap space to sign Nazem Kadri as an unrestricted free agent, and the Hockey News’s Lyle “Spector” Richardson notes that there’s been a particular trade pitched repeatedly, in several forms:
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.
That’s a hard pass from me. It’s frickin’ August, and the Red Wings have until next July to sign Larkin, a Michigander who happens to be the captain, and Bertuzzi, who’s very explicitly said he wants to stay. Why would they move either one, even given how dynamic Barzal is as a player?
id do it in a heartbeat for bertuzzi and zadina/hronek.