In an interview with NHL.com’s Cory Wright, Islanders prospect Mathew Barzal discussed John Tavares’ impact on his game.
“I learned a little bit from John Tavares when I was down there, just watching how he leads by example,” Barzal said. “I tried to do that all year and just tried to lead by example and work hard.”
Barzal, 19, began the season with the professional club before returning to Seattle, where he helped lead the Thunderbirds to their first-ever WHL crown. Although he battled illness and missed extended periods of time, he still managed to navigate the team to the Memorial Cup (being named playoff MVP in the process).