The Ottawa Senators could be in the mix for a big move this summer.
According to Bruce Garrioch, Ottawa has interest in New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal. The report comes as speculation continues about the Islanders' plans and whether they're willing to move a core piece as they look to shake up their roster.
If Barzal is available, it's easy to see why the Senators would be interested.
Steve Staios has made it clear that adding to the top six is one of his priorities this offseason, and Barzal checks a lot of boxes. He's still one of the league's better playmakers and has the ability to create offence on his own, something Ottawa could use more of.
A top six that includes Barzal, Tim Stützle, and Brady Tkachuk would be intriguing. It would give the Senators another forward who can drive a line and take some of the pressure off the players they've leaned on so heavily over the last few seasons.
Of course, none of this comes cheap. Barzal carries a $9.15 million cap hit, which means Ottawa would need to get creative financially. Then there's the return going back to New York.
The Islanders aren't going to move a player of Barzal's calibre without getting significant assets in return. If he is available, the asking price is likely going to include a mix of draft picks, prospects, and NHL-ready talent. Which very well could include Dylan Cozens and potentially even Tyler Kleven or Jordan Spence.
There's no question that Barzal would make the Senators a better team overall. The question is, should Staios and the front office pull the trigger on a trade that could sell off young assets to get the deal done? Then, there's the concern about Tkachuk's future. If he doesn't stay with the organization, it almost seems like they need to try and acquire Barzal, and the best way to do that would be a in a 3-team trade.
