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Jackson Cates | C
Casey Cizikas | C
Bo Horvat | C
Karson Kuhlman | C
Mathew Barzal
ON-ICE VALUE
Top-Six Center
STRENGTHS
Skating: If you consider not only pure speed but also agility, edges and change of pace, Barzal may well be the single best skater in the NHL. Blazing by opponents is a walk in the park for the young center. Moreover, he can consistently skate circles around them as well to apply a ton of pressure in the offensive zone.
Hands: Barzal is also blessed with soft hands that allow him to weave through traffic with the greatest of ease. Combined with his blistering pace, this makes him a dangerous one-on-one player who can downright embarrass you in space. He’s a solid passer too.
Shot: Though primarily seen as a playmaker due to his style, he may actually be a better shooter in practical terms. He can pick corners with his terrific wrister and is a quality finisher on both his forehand and backhand. The only goal-scoring hurdle in his way is a stubborn pass-first mentality.
WEAKNESSES
Puck Management: Barzal can create an astonishing amount of separation due to his skating. Unfortunately, he seldom capitalizes on this breathing room, frequently skating in circles until he’s cornered and forced to relinquish the puck. No star player accomplishes less while appearing to do so much every shift.
Defense: Though Barry Trotz’s structure has helped mitigate some of Barzal’s three-zone warts, he remains a work in progress on the defensive end. He often gets caught on the wrong side of the puck and doesn’t support his blueliners all that well. This stands out on an otherwise stingy Islanders squad.
