Insider reveals stunning Islanders-Mammoth trade proposal

The New York Islanders and the Utah Mammoth discussed a deal that would have sent the fourth-overall pick to Long Island.

According to insider David Pagnotta, the Isles ultimately nixed the deal as the Mammoth wanted Mathew Barzal in return.

The deal was on the table as the Islanders were looking to add another high first-rounder in hopes of landing James Hagens following their selection of Matthew Schaefer.

However, the astronomical asking price on the part of the Mammoth was too much for Isles GM Mathieu Darche to stomach.

Pagnotta stated:

"One of the things I saw a lot of different, kind of reports, with respect to Utah and their discussions around the draft and their fourth-overall pick, I had heard that they wanted, it would’ve been a larger deal, but they wanted Mat Barzal, in that mix if they were going to move the fourth-overall pick."

The stunning revelation proved the Islanders were serious about wanting to land Hagens. However, the New York Islanders and Utah Mammoth could not agree on a final deal.

Pagnotta concluded the comment by stating:

"I was told by someone with the Islanders, ‘We like Hagens, but I don't know if we like him that much.’"

Check out Pagnotta’s comments from the 17:30 mark onwards:

In the end, it seems the Islanders did the right thing by holding onto Mathew Barzal even if it means James Hagens going to the Boston Bruins.

JG Pageau’s name still out there in trade discussions

Pagnotta also confirmed that JG Pageau’s name is still out there on the trade block. Pageau has reportedly been available since the trade deadline. However, the Islanders did not move him.

As Pagnotta noted, some teams have kicked the tires on Pageau. It remains to be seen if the Isles are still keen on moving Pageau. If so, it also remains to be seen what the price tag could be on the veteran center.

Mathieu Darche should be careful in weighing his options regarding Pageau. The club could certainly use him. Unless a prospect like Calum Ritchie suddenly emerges as a viable option down the middle, Pageau wouldn’t be quite so expendable.

The biggest issue surrounding Pageau’s role on the team will be his next contract. Pageau will be a UFA next summer. While it’s safe to assume the Islanders will try to extend Pageau, it’s unclear whether both sides can agree on a new contract.

Ultimately, the Islanders could be compelled to move Pageau if the club is certain it won’t be able to re-sign him this summer. But if the Islanders are in the thick of the playoff race, they may just hold onto Pageau as a sort of internal rental.