Easy decline. And you have the balls to protect it also????

Haha.

don’t think that moves the needle for the islanders at all. at this point in time, i feel like they’d only trade him if they were getting an upgrade at 1C in return right now back.

Hell no.

Barzal is a generational talent who is in the Top 5 echelon in regards to advanced analytics, and he doesn't score as much as he could because he doesn't have the linemates to do so and plays in Trotz's defensive system. Go watch Game 6 of the East Conference Finals this year against the Lightning, and you'll see how he took over the 3rd period. By himself. Against Tampa.

A trade that MIGHT make sense is this:
Berniers, 1st round 2022 pick, 1st round 2023 pick, 1st round 2024 pick. And even then I probably say no, because the Isles are soveryclose to winning a Stanley Cup and are nowhere near rebuilding.

That being said, you probably could convince Toronto to make that trade for Tavares.