Already considered the future at center for the New York Islanders, Mathew Barzal’s win at the All-Star Skills Competition only shines a light a little brighter on the young speedy forward as the Islanders stay a playoff team and try to build around him for the future. But, what kind of contract extension is Barzal getting?
Finished his entry-level contract with the season closes, Barzal will be paid well for his high level of production over the past couple of seasons. The type of deal offered will be intriguing from a number of perspectives. That said, Brett Cyrgalis of the New York Post reports the Islanders have are contemplating two types of deals with the forward potentially leaning towards one.
Cyrgalis believes general manager Lou Lamoriello is thinking of offering Barzal a two- or three-year bridge deal worth between $6 – $7 million per season. Meanwhile, there is some belief that Bazal’s camp is seeking a similar deal to what Mitch Marner signed when he inked his six-year, $65.3-million contract.
In today’s NHL landscape, players are no longer looking for two-year contracts of eight-year security deals but deals that will allow them to maximize their potential to earn money on the first year of the unrestricted free agent eligibility. There is no word on whether or not that is the type of deal Barzal is looking for but as the season winds down and a number of entry-level deals get closed sooner than later, Barzal will be at or near the top of the watch list.
Related: Kreider Comments On Lack of Contract Talks With Rangers
