The first of two Long Island 1st round picks, put pen to paper on Thursday, as Matthew Barzal inked his 3-year entry-level deal and is likely headed to the rookie camp, which should be opening this weekend.Barzal is a bit of an undersized forward, by NHL standards, standing at 6' and 178 lbs., but he certainly plays like a much bigger player. In junior, he was better than a point-per-game player and he took advantage of an invite to the World Junior Summer Camp, which he shone as an offensive force in games against Russia and the Czech Republic.
With the Islanders depth on their projected roster lacking a little bit, the door is open for players to come out of the woodwork and earn a spot. There is no guarantee that the 16th overall pick from this past June's draft will be ready to make his mark at the NHL level, but he will certainly get a long look.
If Barzal doesn't make the jump, he'll go back to junior and there will be a good chance that he plays for Canada at the World Juniors this year as well. One to definitely keep an eye on.
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