This past Saturday the Islanders lost 6-2 to the Bruins. A far bigger loss, however, was Matt Barzal. The dynamic forward left the game with a lower-body injury, and his status is week-to-week. Barzal has put up 51 points in 58 games and is heavily relied upon at even strength and special teams.
The Islanders are hopeful he may return before the playoffs, but they will undoubtedly be without their most skilled player during the push. New York currently sits in a wild card spot, and they have virtually no chance of catching the high-flying Devils, Hurricanes, or Rangers. Despite currently sitting in a playoff spot, the Red Wings, Sabres, and Penguins all have a higher point percentage.
Off the back of losing their star man and with hungry teams licking their chops just below them, could the New York Islanders become sellers? Perhaps they don’t fully tear it down, but instead, look to capitalize on some of their expiring contracts. If that becomes the case, the Leafs should consider acquiring Scott Mayfield.
Mayfield has spent his entire career with the New York Islanders having been drafted by them in the second round of the 2011 NHL draft. He’s played 406 games and amassed 102 points so far. He …

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Author: Bennett Jull / The Leafs Nation