Islanders: Three questions leading into the trade deadline

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NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 13: Jean-Gabriel Pageau #44 of the Ottawa Senators celebrates his hat trick in the third period after he scored an empty net goal against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on November 13, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey.The Ottawa Senators defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Who’s available?

The list of sellers at the trade deadline isn’t yet complete. Because of that there isn’t much available out there on the trade market.

On The Athletic’s 27-player Trade Deadline Big Board (subscription required) the number one player is Chris Kreider. Kreider is a fine top-six player, but he isn’t a star player.

Going through the list there isn’t anyone on the list that gets me excited or thinking that the New York Islanders need to acquire the player. The one player that has most of Isles fans excited about is Jean-Gabriel Pageau, but who knows if he’s actually available.

The Ottawa Senators will be making contract offers to the UFAs they plan on keeping soon that includes Jean-Gabriel Pageau. The Ottawa-area native is a fan favorite and having a career year. For a team desperate for some good PR, keeping JG Pageau would be one heck of a good PR move.

That’s one of the desirable targets on the list that likely off the board. That leaves very little for Lou Lamoriello to acquire. And certainly nothing in the way of top-tier talent.

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If Lou is going to bring someone in via trade it’s likely not going to be a top-end guy but someone who can slot into a top-six role. I know that’s better than nothing, so long as the costs can remain low. With the way the market is shaping, I’m not sure the costs can stay low with so few players out there to satisfy the demand.

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