Minnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators emerge as top landing spots for $73.2M New York Islanders’ star.(Image via X) The New York Islanders star player Mathew Barzal has been a force to be reckoned with on the ice. Amid rumors of the team being heavily constrained by the NHL salary cap, it seems the Minnesota Wild and the Ottawa Senators have emerged as potential landing spots for him.CategoryDetailsPlayerMathew BarzalCurrent TeamNew York IslandersRumored TeamsMontreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa SenatorsContract Status5 Years Remaining (UFA in 2031)Salary Cap Hit (New Team)$9.15 Million average annual value (AAV)Trade LikelihoodModerate (Driven by New York’s heavy salary cap constraints and general manager due diligence)Latest Insider UpdateMinnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators have emerged as aggressive landing spotsPotential ReturnPremium top-tier prospects, high draft capital, or established roster players to offset salary cap hits (e.g., Danila Yurov or asset packages)
Which teams are interested in Mathew Barzal?
In the last few weeks, a number of rival teams have been linked to the New York Islanders’ star player, Mathew Barzal.As per NHL insiders, it seems the Minnesota Wild and the Ottawa Senators could be making a move on him.
What are insiders saying about the trade rumors?
A few days ago, Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report noted, “Barzal could be a solid fit between superstar Kirill Kaprizov and 42-goal scorer Matt Boldy on Minnesota’s first line. To free up sufficient cap space for his contract, the Wild would have to include a player in the deal, or make a separate cost-cutting trade with another team.”He added, ‘Guerin was reportedly willing to part with young goalie Jesper Wallstedt and promising center Danila Yurov for Thomas. Wallstedt would be a reliable young backup for Ilya Sorokin or a potential trade chip for the Isles to add another player. Yurov has the potential to become a top-six forward.”Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report continued, “The Senators have $46.6 million in projected salary-cap space for 2027-28, but much of that will be taken up with new contracts before then. If they want to acquire Barzal, they must move someone off their current roster. Batherson could be one option if he proves too expensive to re-sign. Another could be team captain Brady Tkachuk, assuming the ongoing speculation about his future in Ottawa proves to be true. He’d also have to waive his no-movement clause. Shane Pinto or Dylan Cozens could also become trade bait.”
Contract details and salary cap implications
The New York Islanders’ Mathew Barzal is signed until the 2030-31 season with the team. If he is traded, he could clear off a whopping $9.15 million from the team’s books.
How will the trade affect the teams?
For the Ottawa Senators, trading for Mathew Barzal remains expensive but he could be an elite playmaker for the team.For the Minnesota Wild, Mathew Barzal remains expensive but he could be an impactful addition to the top line alongside superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov.