New York Islanders Rumors: Center Receiving Trade Interest

Now that Bo Harvat is a member of the New York Islanders for eight more years, there isn't much of a place for J.G. Pageau on the roster anymore. He is limited to a third line role and eats up cap space that can be better used. According to David Pagnotta, some teams have expressed various levels of interest in Pageau. This means some teams have shown a great deal of interest.

Pageau has three years remaining on his deal with a cap hit of $5 million AAV. He also has 10 goals and 29 points on the season and would serve as a good third line center for many teams. He is great in his defensive zone and made even better under the coaching style of Barry Trotz the past few seasons. Pageau has a 16-team no-trade clause, but the assumption is that contenders have expressed interest in him to shore up their depth.

It would be a good idea for the Islanders to entertain any trade interest in Pageau seeing as they have a veteran team that needs to start getting younger and lots of older players still under contract for a number of years. It remains to be seen what the price to acquire Pageau is and if any salary will be retained. My best guess would be something less than a first round pick, leaning towards a second rounder and a prospect without any salary retained. We'll have to wait and see if the Islanders' center is moved this season or at a later date.