New York Islanders star Mathew Barzal remains without a contract for this season and with this, has still not reported to training camp. The RFA forward's hold-out is likely not doing the team any favors, but former NHLer Paul Bissonnette believes that Barzal should do everything he can to get his money, even if that means holding out for longer.
There is nothing @BizNasty2point0 wants more than for Mathew Barzal to hold out.
LISTEN: https://t.co/G6Iit3v3lK pic.twitter.com/Vi4dM53DZG— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) January 7, 2021
Rumors have suggested that talks between Barzal's camp and President Lou Lamoriello have been ongoing for weeks now. A shorter deal around 2-3 years is probable, but the salary seems to be the issue. The Islanders are likely looking to get him as cheap as possible, but like 'BizNasty' stated in his tweet, Barzal is worth every penny.
New York will have more than enough cap space to sign him with Johnny Boychuk going on the LTIR and opening up an extra $6 million in cap space. It would not be surprising to see Barzal hold out in order to get his money. Without Barzal, the Islanders forward depth chart just does not look right. The Islanders and Barzal have until February 11 to agree to a new contract or else he will not be available this season.
