Islanders dream scenario with No. 1 and No. 7 picks suddenly feels possible

It’s looking like the New York Islanders have an interest in allegedly moving forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau to Boston, and the seventh-overall pick could be part of the deal. Of course, these wouldn’t be the only assets moved. But should this occur, the Islanders just made one heck of a deal, if you ask me. 

While it also seems like the Bruins want to move from No. 7 to somewhere in the top five, don’t worry too much, Isles fans - it doesn’t look like general manager Mathieu Darche is interested in trading the pick. And why would he? Unless, of course, he’d bring in a proven superstar.

No. Chances are, the Bruins want to forge a trade with someone like the Utah Mammoth, Chicago Blackhawks, or Nashville Predators, so they can move somewhere between three and five. 

There’s no chance the Isles pass up on a potential superstar in a trade for the seventh pick unless David Pastrnak’s coming to Long Island. And we can assume that won’t happen. 

The No. 1 and No. 7 pick? Yeah, that would be brilliant

If James Hagens freefalls, and there’s a chance he will, down the draft board, and the Isles are sitting there at No. 7 after snagging either Michael Misa or Matthew Schaefer at No. 1 overall, then they just set themselves up for success over the next decade. 

Imagine having TWO of who were, at one point, considered the top three players in the draft. I’m sure you’d all be more than fine with that. While I’ve been a Misa fan this entire time, if this becomes the case, then I’m flip-flopping and going with Schaefer No. 1 and hoping Hagens falls to No. 7.

If someone scoops up Hagens, then I’m opting for the best forward on the board. Still, the Isles are getting an elite-caliber blueliner alongside a forward who can boast something close to star potential. But, there’s one question left unanswered: Who else would the Isles move?

The Isles would need to trade another viable player to get that seventh pick

For me, Noah Dobson is the first name that comes to mind, especially following the supposed price to extend him. So, Noah Dobson and Jean-Gabriel Pageau for the seventh pick and another asset or two that will sweeten the deal may end up signaling more of a rebuild on Long Island than I otherwise thought. 

Or, maybe it’s just a glorified retool, with a player like Schaefer who could immediately take over for Dobson and someone like Hagens (or another talent at forward) who, in time, will help this team up front. It would also go with what would work best for the Isles - start getting rid of some of those pieces who are either older, and others you’re not sold on. 

Some fans may not want this, as they’ll likely look for continuity. But if you ask me, I’d rather do all I could to set the team up for success over the next decade and beyond. Acquiring the seventh pick is the way to do that. 

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