The New York Islanders find themselves at a pivotal juncture as they navigate the integration of promising prospect Calum Ritchie into their NHL roster. Ritchie's arrival, expedited by the trade that sent Brock Nelson to Colorado, presents a compelling scenario that could reshape the team's forward lines and, more specifically, impact the role of veteran center Jean-Gabriel Pageau.
Pageau, 32, is a versatile and defensively responsible center who has been a mainstay in the Islanders' middle six since being acquired in 2020. Known for his face-off prowess, penalty-killing abilities, and two-way play, Pageau has provided valuable depth and experience to the team. However, with Ritchie knocking on the door, the Islanders' coaching staff and management must determine the optimal deployment for both players.
One potential outcome is that Ritchie starts the season on the third line, allowing Pageau to remain as the second-line center. This scenario provides Ritchie with a less demanding role to begin his NHL career while allowing Pageau to continue contributing in a familiar position. Alternatively, the Islanders could opt to elevate Ritchie directly into a top-six role, potentially centering the second line. This would necessitate a shuffle of the forward lines, possibly moving Mathew Barzal to the top line alongside Bo Horvat, and shifting Kyle Palmieri to the second line. In this case, Simon Holmstrom would likely move to the left wing on the third line.
If Ritchie proves ready for a significant role, Pageau's future with the team becomes less certain. While he remains a valuable asset, his $5 million cap hit could be seen as expendable, especially with the Islanders needing to manage their cap effectively. Several teams have expressed interest in acquiring Pageau, including the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, and Winnipeg Jets. A trade could free up cap space and potentially bring in assets that address other needs on the roster.
However, trading Pageau is not the only option. The Islanders could choose to keep him, valuing his experience and versatility. He could serve as a mentor to Ritchie, helping him develop and adjust to the NHL game. Moreover, injuries are an inevitable part of hockey, and having multiple capable centers provides valuable insurance. Pageau's ability to play up and down the lineup makes him a valuable asset in case of injuries or slumps.
Ultimately, the Islanders' decision on Pageau's role will depend on several factors, including Ritchie's readiness, the team's overall performance, and the trade market. If Ritchie excels and Pageau is willing to accept a reduced role, the Islanders could benefit from keeping both players. However, if Ritchie struggles or Pageau desires a larger role, a trade may be the most logical outcome.
As of mid-July 2025, the Islanders are reportedly in no rush to make a decision on Pageau, suggesting they are carefully evaluating all options. The team's management is likely waiting to see how Ritchie performs in training camp and the preseason before making any definitive moves.
