The New York Islanders have told teams that centerman Jean-Gabriel Pageau is not for sale, per Michael Russo of The Athletic:
Pageau, 32, has one season left on his deal at $5 million annually and had many suitors if the Islanders were looking to move him.
He'd made complete sense for the Minnesota Wild, especially if they move Marco Rossi.
Other teams that had inquired over the last year was the Vegas Golden Knights, the Edmonton Oilers and the Boston Bruins.
Pageau recorded 42 points (14 goals, 28 assists) in 79 games, while owning the highest face-off winning percentage in the NHL, at 59.6 percent.
With Calum Ritchie expected to make the Islanders out of training camp, Pageau will be tasked wth serving as a mentor for the young player. And if the Islanders don't fill the No. 2 center position this summer after the loss of Brock Nelson to Colorado — they could move Mathew Barzal off Bo Horvat's wing and back to his natural position — there's a stronog chance Pageau centers the second line come the fall.
Just because Pageau isn't on the move now doesn't mean that he won't be on the move at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. Especially if he can mimic last season's success, he could be worth a first-round pick or multiple second-round picks from a desperate hockey club as opposed to, maybe, just a second right now.
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PHOTO: James Guillory-Imagn Images
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