Islanders: Keeping Up On NHL Trade Rumors – Tyler Toffoli Still Available

Jean-Gabriel Pageau

Why is he available?

Simply, no one is safe on the Ottawa Senators roster. The Senators are rebuilding and anyone not nailed down to a long-term contract is fair game for other teams. Just like Toffoli, Jean-Gabriel Pageau is a pending free agent at the end of the season.

The Senators have traded just about anyone with any value over the past few years. Even if they were fan favorites like Jean-Gabriel Pageau. There’s no reason to believe they’ll keep Pageau, not when he’s due a handsome payday.

Islanders Interest Level: 5/5

Pageau has averaged a 51.8 faceoff win percentage over his career. He’s averaging over three minutes on a penalty kill that’s 80.3 percent efficient this season. Not to mention his 12 shorthanded goals are the second-most in the NHL since 2014-15.

I’m not a +/- fan, but Pageau is a +19. The next best +/- score on his team is +8. On such a poor team, to stand that high above your teammates means something.

Assuming Brassard is no longer an option down the middle, the Islanders will need a center for their third line. Cole Bardreau has been perfectly fine, but Pageau is clearly an upgrade. He might just be the missing piece.

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Pageau also loves to play against the Rangers and Leafs. He’s scored eleven goals against each over his career. He’s only scored more against the Montreal Canadiens.

What’s not to love about this guy? That’s why it’s a five out of five interest level. Imagine a French-Canadian line of Beauvillier-Pageau-Brassard.