There Is Still A Path Where Islanders Trade Pageau

The New York Islanders should have a lot of trust in their new GM as he has done a good job this offseason even though it came with a little bit of luck. The team isn't anything special and likely won't place top three in their division, but there is a realistic path where they return to the playoffs next season.

Regardless of how next season goes, the future looks very bright all of a sudden with players like Matthew Schaefer, Simon Holmstrom, Calum Ritchie, Victor Eklund, Cole Eiserman, and more. The Islanders may be around the playoff picture next season if injuries don't pile up and there are some solid performances, but there has continued to be one player who is talked about in trade rumors, and that's J.G. Pageau.

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, "teams have been calling (about Pageau), were calling, closer to the draft. Darche's message has been sure, you want to blow me out of the water, I'll do it now, otherwise I'll hold onto him.

Pageau will be 33 years old in November and provides the Islanders with a solid mix of offense and great two-way play. The veteran is heading into his final year under contract at $5 million AAV and is a UFA. The message from Darche, to me, sounds like he wants to see where the Islanders are at through the halfway point in the season before shipping Pageau out. While capable centers haven't been easy to come by this offseason and Pageau's value is higher after a good 2024-25 season as well, the price could rise and more teams could show interest closer to the trade deadline. If he isn't traded or even ends up re-signing, then the Islanders have more time to figure that out throughout the season.

Pageau is excellent in the faceoff circle and scored 14 goals to go along with 42 points last season, plays power play and penalty kill, blocks shots, and plays a physical game. As a third line center that is asked a lot more of, he is a player any team would take. The price to acquire him seems high, and for good reason considering the spot the Islanders are in and how familiar they are with his game.