4 Teams Islanders Could Trade Pageau To This Offseason

J.G. Pageau's name has been in trade rumors for a good while as the New York Islanders aren't in a great position to win right now and are building something nice for the future. With that, it means selling off a few more pieces isn't the worst idea, especially considering the middle-6, defensively responsible center is in the final year of his deal at a fair price that can be partially retained in a trade.

There is absolutely still interest in Pageau as the free agent market was weak this year and there are much better players available to acquire through trades with teams willing to sell. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period revealed that the Carolina Hurricanes, Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets, and Montreal Canadiens have been linked to Pageau this offseason.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have over $10.5 million in projected cap space to still use. While it is unlikely all of that is used in the offseason with what is left, they can still upgrade through a trade to get even deeper down the middle. The Hurricanes' biggest concern is strength at center and Pageau would arguably be an upgrade to Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Pageau is better defensively and can produce similar offensive numbers.

Boston Bruins

The Bruins still need better than Sean Kuraly as their third line center if they are hoping to get back into contention next season. Their forward group remains weaker than it has been for years and Pageau would help bring back some of that strong two-way play that the team has been missing since the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets have $20 million cap space to spend on Gabriel Vilardi, Dylan Samberg, and Morgan Barron, which is more than enough. That leaves quite a bit of room for more upgrades so that this team doesn't fall too far from where they were last season. The Jets can't fall out of being Stanley Cup contenders this quickly with some of their players at the top of their games. Pageau could be a good middle-6 complement to Jonathan Toews and provide the team with options if the Chicago Blackhawks legend isn't at the top of his game or up to full speed.

Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens are looking for a second line center since I don't think Kirby Dach is going to be what they hoped as injuries haven't helped him. Pageau isn't going to be their long-term solution, but would definitely benefit Montreal in the short-term. Adding him would create much better center depth and better two-way play that the Canadiens need in front of their goaltending. The Islanders and Canadiens already made a trade involving Noah Dobson, so why not another one that benefits both.