Islanders Are Determining Futures Of 2 Forwards

The New York Islanders haven't taken themselves out of the playoff race early, but it is also very early in the season. The team is 6-5-1 and hasn't looked too bad. This isn't a year many expected the Islanders to do much, but those days are on their way with Matthew Schaefer leading the charge.

For now, decisions are going to have to be made about the roster this season. Some of the veterans won't be around to see the success that is to come for the Islanders, especially a couple who are in the last year of their contracts and could be trade bait.

David Pagnotta said, "For (GM Darche), it's just collecting information right now...and then exploring those later on in the season...both with Pageau and their captain, Anders Lee. You want to see where the season goes."

The offense of the Islanders has been much better than it has been in prior years, with the top-9 all chipping in. That includes J.G. Pageau and Lee. Pageau, 33 years old, is the center on the third line and is the lead penalty killer on the team. Lee, 35 years old, plays on the second power play and is also on the third line. They combine for five goals and 16 points in 12 games, but Pageau ($5 million AAV) and Lee ($7 million AAV) are both UFAs after the season.

Neither is going to be traded early in the season as the Islanders are still in the hunt, but a lot can change over the course of the season. Pageau, especially, is going to garner a lot of interest again as Calum Ritchie has already been recalled and has been slotted in on the second line.

Teams have been trying to pry Pageau away from the Islanders because of his two-way ability combined with his decent offensive contributions. Lee, while being more expensive, is a leader and can score. He continues to prove that, but New York would definitely have to retain some of his contract if they end up trading him. The Islanders are in a good position to move both this season and can get along fine next season as a result.