Looking at rumors involving this New York Islanders center

With the trade deadline looming on the horizon, New York Islanders center JG Pageau is becoming a popular target for teams looking to fill out their center depth. In particular, the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights are reportedly interested in acquiring Pageau.

According to Stefen Rosner at The Hockey News, the Isles are getting calls regarding Pageau’s availability. Now, there’s nothing to suggest that the Islanders are looking to move Pageau. But that shouldn’t be an impediment for teams calling to inquire about his availability.

With the Islanders stuck in limbo at the trade deadline, there might be a possibility that the Islanders move Pageau if the right deal comes up. What that deal looks like remains to be seen. It’s tough to envision the Isles getting a first-round pick for Pageau. Nevertheless, there could be some useful pieces coming back the other way.

Perhaps a combination of a couple of picks and a mid-tier prospect could move the needle for the Isles. If the Islanders are serious about contending this season, they’ll need to get another center in return. Otherwise, the Isles may be forced to play someone like Casey Cizikas in the 3C slot while leaving the 4C spot to Kyle MacLean.

On the flip side, the Islanders could be working on another background deal to bring in another depth center or two. I suspect Lou Lamoriello will be keeping a close eye on the waiver wire, as well. He’s apparently hit a home run this season with Jesper Boqvist.

So, who’s to say he can’t hit another waiver wire dinger? There will be interesting names hitting waivers as clubs look to adjust their rosters ahead of the deadline.

Why the New York Islanders should not trade JG Pageau

For better or worse, JG Pageau is a serviceable middle-six forward. He’s provided the Isles with solid if unspectacular minutes. This season, Pageau has 27 points in 52 games. That’s not bad. But the most interesting number is his plus-7 rating.

Considering that the Islanders have a -10 goal differential this season, it’s actually refreshing to see Pageau have a plus rating. Beyond his plus-minus rating, Pageau has averaged nearly 17 minutes a night while winning roughly 60% of face-offs.

Those metrics underscore why teams are calling about Pageau. Still, the Islanders should consider keeping him, that is if the team is serious about making a run at a playoff spot. Otherwise, moving on from Pageau could make sense. He’s got a $5 million cap hit. Freeing up that space would allow the Isles to address other areas.

Ultimately, my instincts tell me the Isles will hold on to Pageau unless the wheels fall off and the Islanders are nowhere near a playoff spot by the start of March. So, sit tight because the next two weeks could determine what direction the Islanders take at the trade deadline.