Western Contender Could Target Islanders' Pageau On Trade Market

I don't believe the New York Islanders are going into a rebuild, but there appears to be lots of work to be done to the roster. The bottom of the lineup looks pretty bare before the team delves into any additions this offseason, but according to Frank Seravalli, the Minnesota Wild could decide to take a run at J.G. Pageau on the trade market this summer.

It may be about time the Islanders move on from Pageau even though he did bounce back and have a solid season in 2024-25. The 32-year-old did have 14 goals and 42 points this season, his highest total points-wise since 2019-20. If the Islanders want to play Bo Horavt and Mat Barzal on separate lines at center, then Pageau would once again be the third line center. If not, he would be probably playing above where he should on the second line.

The Wild do have a need for Pageau on the third line especially. With Marco Rossi and Joel Eriksson Ek as the top two centers, bringing in Pageau who is also strong defensively can allow Marcus Johansson and Ryan Hartman to play on the wings and take some pressure off of them. I believe that both play better on the wing and not at center.

Pageau would even be an upgrade offensively to what the Wild would otherwise have. This is the first season where I think the team really has a chance to make an impact. They have been knocked out in the first round a lot of times even though it isn't as talked about as the Toronto Maple Leafs' first round playoff losing streak. An addition like Pageau isn't a game-changer, but it could be a necessary one. I don't think that is the Wild's big offseason move either.

It was evident that the team wanted Brock Nelson, but when he and a few centers were extended with their current teams, options dwindled. Pageau can fit that need and the Wild will still likely be top contenders for Brock Boeser as well. Minnesota is a team to watch this offseason to make larger changes, but also a team to watch throughout next season as they will be a lot better.