Islanders must address futures of key vets during Olympics

The New York Islanders entered the NHL’s Olympic break in an enviable position. Despite injuries to some key players, the Isles have managed to remain near the top of the Metro Division. Plus, the additions of Carson Soucy and Ondrej Palat promise to boost the club’s depth moving forward.

That said, the Islanders are far from done with the business side of the season. The Olympics will provide players, coaches, and execs with a chance to catch up on sleep, take some time off, spend time with loved ones, and, well, recover. But the wheels of the business that is the NHL will keep turning.

That situation means the Islanders have a wonderful opportunity to assess what they plan to do with five impending UFAs.

The two biggest have to be captain Anders Lee and JG Pageau. Let’s start with Lee. Lee has proven to be a solid, productive forward even at this stage of his career. The 35-year-old Lee enters the Olympic break with 11 goals and 31 points in 58 games. Those are solid numbers. Lee can still top 20 goals and 50 points this season.

That situation means that the club can take the time to discuss Lee’s future. It’s hard to envisage a separation at this point. Neither Lee nor the Islanders seems motivated to part ways. As such, the Olympics provide an opportunity to work out an extension. Whatever that extension is, it’s crucial the two sides work something out before hitting the ice again following the Milano-Cortina Games.

However, things are not so cut and dry for Pageau. Pageau has been a fantastic piece for the Isles this season. Pageau has 12 goals and 24 points in 50 games this season. But beyond his offensive production, the 33-year-old has been a jack-of-all-trades, particularly during the absence of Bo Horvat. Pageau’s production could encourage the Islanders to explore an extension during the Olympics.

But if, for some reason, the two sides can’t really agree on one, now would be the time to be clear about the possibility of a trade. The team could make its position clear and let Pageau know that he’ll be on the trade block. Meanwhile, Mathieu Darche can take the break to gauge the market for Pageau. A deal could be forthcoming once rosters unfreeze on February 22.