There’s no doubt the New York Islanders got an absolute steal with Mathew Barzal at 16th overall. With 85 points in 82 games in his rookie year, Barzal will win the Calder Trophy this season.
It’s obvious that Barzal was massively undervalued at 16 overall. But based on what we know, where should he have been drafted?
According to The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler, Mathew Barzal should have been drafted third overall. It’s certainly a fair rank, but I think Barzal should have gone second overall instead of Jack Eichel.