The Jackets haven't played since last Friday – and they won't play again until tomorrow – but that didn't stop us from putting together the latest Mid-Week Heat Check. Let's dive right in and see who's hot right now around the league.
Seth Jones
There aren’t a whole lot of positives to take away from the Jackets’ last two games – two frustrating losses against beatable teams – but Seth Jones was certainly pretty solid. He played roughly 26 minutes in each game and chipped in a goal and an assist. He’s now the club’s second-highest scorer, with an impressive 30 points in 46 games. That puts him in the top ten among all defensemen, but only one defenseman above him (Alex Pietrangelo) has fewer points on the power play.
Jones has emerged as a possible Norris Trophy contender as well, and his coach will do whatever he can to keep Jones in the discussion.
Tortorella on Jones: "There are some really good candidates out there, but you start getting into other things, as far as the Norris, I think he needs to be in the conversation."
— Brian Hedger (@JacketsInsider) January 11, 2018
Mat Barzal
Good lord this kid is something else. Barzal has spent the last week absolutely shredding opposing teams to the tune of eight points in three games.
This isn’t a new development for Barzal, either. With 47 points on the year (in 46 games), he’s proving to be one of the league’s elite offensive talents. He’s currently tied with Sidney Crosby for 13th in the league for scoring, ahead of names like Patrick Kane, Taylor Hall, Vladimir Tarasenko and Jack Eichel. Not a bad rookie year, huh?
He’s also a joy to watch.
For your Calder consideration: @Barzal_97 repeatedly passing it to himself in OT. pic.twitter.com/EsSaYQ9syd
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) January 16, 2018
Barzal’s emergence is also a huge development for the New York Islanders, who are faced with the prospect of Jon Tavares’ free agency at the end of the season. If Barzal keeps producing like he has been, he’ll either soften the blow of losing Tavares or, perhaps, entice him to stay and form perhaps the league’s top 1-2 punch down the middle.
Also, funny enough, Barzal and his linemates – Jordan Eberle and Anthony Beauvillier – all came to the Islanders thanks to Edmonton Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli, in two separate trades. All that the Oilers have to show for it is Ryan Strome and Griffin Reinhart. Yikes.
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