Andrew Ladd shared the one particular part of Barzal's game that he thinks stands out above the rest

BarDown Staff

New York islanders forward Mathew Barzal. , Adam Hunger/Canadian Press

It’s no secret. New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal is already among the NHL’s elite. And his teammates seem to know it, too.

The Isles hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs last night and dropped a thrilling 5-4 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Barclay Centre. But before the action kicked off, Barzal’s veteran teammate Andrew Ladd shared his two cents on the kid and what in particular stands out about his game.

Andrew Ladd, this morning, on what stands out about Barzal:

"Just the confidence & just how dominant he’s been especially through the neutral zone. He’s kind of a one-man entry a lot of times. He’s so dynamic with the puck & creates so much space for himself."
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) March 31, 2018

Barzal has been one of the NHL’s nicer surprises this season, having already racked up 20 goals and 58 points in just 78 games. He sits 16 points ahead of fellow first year Clayton Keller (62) and has been regarded at this point as a shoe-in to capture the Calder Trophy.

Mathew Barzal has been an outstanding playmaking pivot for the @NYIslanders, as a pair of 5-assist games this season have the rookie now sitting in select company all-time pic.twitter.com/zOOwiyRBdv
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) February 10, 2018

Ladd, a Stanley Cup champion and former captain, has been around young talent including Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele and Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrik Kane in his earlier playing days. To say the guy has played with some incredible young talent throughout his career is an understatement.

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Kathy Willens/Canadian Press

Trading up for the 16^th overall pick with the Edmonton Oilers in the 2015 NHL draft (with the Edmonton Oilers for defenceman Griffin Reinhart) has been one of the better moves in recent draft memory. If the Islanders can get John Tavares under a lengthy contract this offseason, they will have a two-headed monster in him and Barzal for years to come.

(H/T Mark Masters)