If John Tavares had remained with the New York Islanders, his presence would have impacted the development of Mathew Barzal, allowing him to mature into a strong player before taking on a leading role. The team may have developed one of the best center tandems in the NHL, potentially leading to a more explosive style of play under coach Barry Trotz. Moreover, Tavares' continued presence could have attracted more high-profile free agents. The selection of defenseman Matthew Schaefer in the draft would further solidify the Islanders' lineup, paving the way for future success.
If Tavares had stayed, the Islanders probably wouldn't have handed the keys over to Barzal as quickly as they did, which could have been beneficial for Barzal's development.
By the early 2020s, the Islanders may have had one of the NHL's best center tandems, which could have shifted the team's identity towards a more dynamic, perennial contender.
If Tavares had stayed, perhaps Long Island would have been a more attractive destination for high-end free agents, altering the overall competitive landscape of the team.
The addition of Schaefer, a smooth-skating, two-way defenseman, would project to anchor the Islanders' defensive lineup, enhancing their overall performance.
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