Mathew Barzal showed through his Calder Trophy-winning rookie season he has the potential to anchor the Islanders’ forward group for seasons to come.
Fellow second-year player Ryan Pulock feels the responsibility to do so for the defense corps and give the Islanders foundation pieces both up front and on the back end.
“One hundred percent,” Pulock said. “I was a high pick. They’re picking me to be that guy. This is my time to take that. I’ve been in the organization for four years now. It’s the time I grab the reins and take it. I feel like I can do that.