Blockbuster Matt Barzal trade to Canadian team reportedly under discussion by New York Islanders

Although the Jets are the first place team in the Western Conference and NHL, the Edmonton Oilers are still far and away favourites to win the Cup. Perhaps it changes if Winnipeg adds Barzal.

According to a new report from Carter Brooks, the Winnipeg Jets have checked in on Barzal - who may surprisingly be open to a trade to Manitoba. However, the colossal asking price may be holding the Jets back.

The New York Islanders are in an entirely different position than Winnipeg, tied for last in the eastern conference.

It would be shocking to see them let go of their superstar Barzal, but he may not want to play on a last place team, and the Islanders could jump-start a rebuild with the trade return.

Barzal is currently in the second year of an eight year contract that pays him $9.150M each season. This year his scoring is down with only 13 points in 21 games, but Barzal has regularly produced near a point per game. He's the lone offensive superstar on an older, defensive team.

According to JetsNation, it's a little far fetched that Winnipeg would pay the king's ransom to acquire Barzal in trade - being a package of some of their top prospects.

However, with a team that's a nature cup contender backed by an all-star goalie, prospect hugging isn't the way to go.

It would make total sense for Winnipeg to leverage some of their future to get 6 years of Matthew Barzal, and give them a direct chance at the Stanley Cup this year.