In the middle of a busy offseason that has already seen key movement across the league, the New York Islanders appear to be taking a notably cautious approach regarding the future of Jean-Gabriel Pageau. While several names have circulated in NHL trade talks, Pageau’s situation remains unresolved, and for now, deliberately paused.
According to NHL insider Jeff Marek, the Islanders are in no rush to finalize any decision involving the veteran center. That statement alone has fueled growing speculation around the team’s strategy.
“There’s no hurry whatsoever for the Islanders,” Marek stated on a recent episode of The Sheet, making it clear that any potential deal involving the 31-year-old remains in limbo.
A valuable asset with a complex price tag
Pageau has been a mainstay in the Islanders’ middle six, praised for his versatility, penalty-killing ability, and playoff experience. While his offensive output dipped slightly last season—scoring 14 goals and 42 points across 79 games—his impact beyond the scoresheet is harder to quantify. That’s precisely why the franchise might be hesitating: he’s more than just a number on the stat sheet.
Adding to the equation is Pageau’s contract, which carries a $5 million AAV through 2025-26. It’s a deal that could complicate trade discussions, especially for cap-strapped teams looking for immediate help without long-term financial commitment. That said, contenders seeking playoff-ready veterans with defensive reliability may still find Pageau to be a compelling option.
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What the delay could signal
The Islanders’ reluctance to act quickly suggests they’re surveying the broader trade landscape, possibly waiting for other dominoes to fall before making a definitive move. With teams like Boston, Calgary, and Pittsburgh all still evaluating their center depth, it wouldn’t be surprising if the front office is hoping to capitalize on late-summer urgency.
Alternatively, the Islanders may be keeping Pageau as insurance in case other internal options—such as younger prospects or returning veterans—don’t deliver in training camp or early in the season.
Islanders face tight cap, tight timeline
The team’s cap situation remains a factor as well. With multiple forwards locked into long-term deals and questions about how to improve a group that missed the 2025 postseason, every roster spot—and dollar—counts.
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Yet the message remains clear: there’s no panic in the front office, only patience. For now, Jean-Gabriel Pageau remains an Islander, even as the trade whispers grow louder.
