Islanders Rumors: Forward Becoming Trade Candidate

The New York Islanders are heading into the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline still in the playoff race. However, they are far from being a guaranteed playoff club, and they could make some subtractions to their roster because of it.

In a recent article for The Athletic, Arthur Staple predicted that the Islanders will trade forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline passes.

Here is what Staple had to say on the matter: "Pageau had a couple of good playoff runs with the Isles after he arrived at the 2020 deadline, and his contract, with two more years at a $5 million cap hit, won’t be easy to move. But the Senators have made it known that they need culture guys to be part of the change in Ottawa; Pageau, a native of nearby Gatineau, was beloved in his eight years there. Moving Pageau, even for a minimal return, would free up general manager Lou Lamoriello to make other moves, either now or in the summer."

Pageau, 31, has had a bit of a quiet year offensively for the Islanders, so that also could lead to New York being open to moving him between now and the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. In 57 games played, he has seven goals, 22 points, and a minus-10 rating.

With the Islanders needing cap space, it makes sense that Staple sees Pageau potentially being moved before the deadline. Whether it is the Senators or another club in the NHL, don't be too surprised if the Islanders find the veteran center a new home.