Want to buy New York Islanders? Yes, but no rush for Pageau and Lee
David Pagnotta from the fourth period: Yes, it is time again for more possible contract extensions. This time we serve Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anders Lee. The problem with the New York Islanders is this. Few expected to be in this position. Reality dictates that the Metropolitan Division has gone a bit upside down and sideways. Carolina is leading the way, but the Islanders and Flyers are right there. Injuries and toxicity have all but destroyed the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils.
General manager Matthew Darche is evaluating things longer term when it comes to players like Pageau and Lee. He’s not in any real hurry either. With the looming return of Bo Horvat from injury, the Islanders are on solid footing as the Olympic Break approaches. At this time, unlike other Olympic years, there is no soft deadline before the break.
Others will note how Darche approaches this. After all, this is his first stint as general manager. He has a team that exceeds all expectations. Does that make the Islanders a buyer? Yes. When will they pull the trigger? You may have to wait a while for that.
NHL Rumors: Dougie Hamilton on the Way? Yes.
The New York Islanders keep an eye on the market while taking care of their own. Darche is playing poker here with so much time between now and the deadline, which is far from surprising.
The weight of the trade deadline
Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos: It may shock people that this trade deadline will be quite a stretch. While Dougie Hamilton will likely be moved sooner or later, many other decisions will await. March 6 is still quite a ways away until the Olympic break is over. One good streak can turn a seller into a buyer, just as a bad streak can reverse course.
There are many teams in the mid-tier, but there are also some that are considering the possibilities.
NHL rumors: Utah goes big game hunting
Winnipeg is a strange country. The Jets were expected to regress, but to immediately go from first to 32nd is something else. Part of this is coaching and dynamics. Nikolaj Ehlers going to Carolina, along with a few injuries (Connor Hellebuyck), changed things. Hellebuyck does not look like itself either. Small movements are expected, apart from a coach shot.
Teams like the New York Rangers can easily sell if Igor Shesterkin is out for a long time, as feared. Regardless, Artemi Panarin remains a top target. You think a framework for a deal will be in place now or soon. Nashville, like Buffalo, climbed right back into it. Calgary is waiting for several players, including Rasmus Andersson.
Finally, expect the St. Louis Blues to make a bigger move. When is the only question. And yes, the New York Islanders will be actively looking. Matthew Darche hasn’t put his cards on the table for a while.
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