As the NHL gears up post-Olympic break, the New York Islanders find themselves in a pivotal position. Sitting third in the Metropolitan Division, they’ve got a hungry Columbus Blue Jackets team nipping at their heels. The Isles are in control of their own destiny, but with the trade deadline looming, they face a crucial decision: to trade JG Pageau or not.
Pageau, a key forward for the Islanders, is approaching free agency at season's end. Alongside him is Anders Lee, the captain and a stalwart of the team.
While Lee seems set to stay, Pageau appears to be the likely trade candidate. Acquired at the 2020 deadline and extended for five years, his time with the Isles might be nearing an end.
This season has been an unexpected ride for the Islanders. Trading Brock Nelson last year seemed to signal a rebuild, but winning the draft lottery and picking up Matthew Schaefer has injected new life into the team. Despite this surge, GM Mathieu Darche must stay the course.
The Islanders have two paths with Pageau. They could trade him to a contender for picks and prospects, similar to the Nelson deal, or use him to clear cap space for a long-term acquisition.
The next five games post-break will be telling. A stumble might push the Isles to sell, while a strong showing could embolden a playoff push.
Pageau’s value as a penalty killer and depth center makes him attractive to contenders. The likes of the Tampa Bay Lightning or Florida Panthers, still smarting from missing out on Artemi Panarin, might be interested. Even the Los Angeles Kings, needing to fill the gap left by Kevin Fiala’s injury, could be in the mix.
Last year’s Nelson trade fetched a first-round pick and top prospect Calum Ritchie from the Avalanche. The market seems buyer-friendly, as seen with Panarin’s recent trade. Unlike Panarin, Pageau doesn’t have a no-trade clause, making him easier to move.
If Darche decides to buy, leveraging future assets like the Avalanche pick and Pageau could land a goal-scorer. The St.
Louis Blues, struggling this season, have intriguing options in Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou. Packaging Pageau with picks and prospects like Cole Eiserman might bring one of these talents to New York.
The Islanders have a wealth of options at the trade deadline. Whether they choose to buy or sell, one thing seems clear: trading JG Pageau could be the key to unlocking their future success.