The New York Islanders traded up to get Barzal. Sending Griffin Reinhart, a flop then and still a flop now to the Edmonton Oilers for the 16th overall.
Barzal only got two games with the Isles before he was sent back to the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds. It’s likely that a lapse in judgment sealed his fate last season.
After just completing a two-minute minor, Barzal handled the puck while leaving the box. He wasn’t on the ice, both skates were firmly planted in the box still.
If anything Isles management is incredibly decisive with their young prospects.