The New York Islanders have informed teams that their center, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, is not available for trade, according to Michael Russo of The Athletic. The 32-year-old player has one year remaining on his $5 million per year contract, and there was significant interest from multiple teams while the Islanders were looking to trade him. Pageau was considered a great fit for the Minnesota Wild, especially after they traded Marcorossi. Other interested teams last year included the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, and Boston Bruins.
Pageau has tallied 42 points this season, with 14 goals and 28 assists in 79 games, and holds the highest faceoff win percentage in the NHL at 59.6%. He is expected to mentor younger players like Calum Ritchie as the Islanders prepare for training camp. With the loss of Brock Nelson, if the Islanders don’t secure a second center this summer, they might move Matthew Barzal back to his natural center position or have Pageau take on a bigger role at center in the fall.
While Pageau isn’t being traded now, that could change by the 2026 trade deadline. If he continues to perform at a high level, he could command a first-round pick or multiple second-round picks from teams seeking a skilled center.
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Fan Take: This news is crucial for hockey fans because it shows the Islanders’ commitment to keeping a key, experienced player who brings both skill and leadership. Pageau’s presence could significantly impact the team’s development and performance, making the upcoming season an exciting one to watch.
