Im not sure why so many seem to be dumping all over this trade. Had this exact trade and signing been made by the Penguins, Carolina, Vegas or Tampa the hockey world would have been singing the praises from on high on how brilliant the move is and how much it positively impacts their team. The mention of the assets going to the Sens and the cap would have been after-thoughts.
But because its the Islanders, we just have to get kicked in the teeth — again.
But hey — if you are an Islander fan, you have to be used to it, right? I mean since 1972, the NHL begrudgingly awarded Long Island a franchise out of fear of getting their asses kicked financially by the growing WHA. Ever since, the NYI have been the bastard red-headed step child of the NHL. And that includes the cup years. I was there, and despite the success, you always noted the hairy stink eye staring back at us from the NHL.
As to the trade — it is the ideal move for the Islanders.
First — this is a player who has proven that he is the pro's pro. He reminds me a lot of John Madden out of NJ. To a lesser extent he reminds me a little of Michael Peca. Not a ton of flash, but gets the job done effectively. This is the third line center every team needs if they have any shot at a cup — and while I do not believe the Islanders are there yet, a deep playoff run with a healthy Islanders team and JGP is possible. This allows the Islanders to be a true 4-line team that can play with a true balanced approach. Think about it — there are now 4 centers who can all produce at varying degrees. Each of the 4 make their wingers better.
What's more, Pageau instantly boosts the Islanders Penalty Kill, provides more balance to the second Power Play unit to help sustain pressure, boosts the skating speed of the team overall, gives a truly needed boost to the Islanders in the Face-Off circle and is the kind of 2 way player we desperately needed. Who wouldn't want that on their team?
The knock? The NYI spent too much in assets and cap to trade and sign him. Puhleeeze!!!!!
The Maple Leafs gave John Tavares — a player they ABSOLUTELY DID NOT NEED — $11 million dollars for 7 years. That is called a magnificent move??? Well — how is that working out? The Leafs are in Cap hell. They cannot keep the puck out of their net, and can't bring in the assets they need to solve the problem. Had they left Tavares alone, and addressed their bigger weakness in 2018, they would be in a far better place than they are right now.
No one seems to be crying about the Jackets — who sent away their entire futures for Duchene, Dzingle and more — only to what — win a single playoff round?!?!?!? But those were amazing moves? WTF??? Give me a break.
Those are just a few examples.
The Islanders are built — they are in their window here. They are not a young team. And while there are flaws, and still some holes, they are not in some re-build mode. They could certainly use a boost to their farm system, and the picks would have been great to have, but I also believe they had to make a significant move and they did. They still have all of their assets in the farm and the assets from their roster in tact. Obviously, keeping the 2021 first rounder would be needed moving forward — but for now, you have to give to get.
The spent picks going to the Sens was tough — but once they signed JGP to a 6 year deal, it became far more worth it. The team has the cap space and for what JGP brings, I am good with it. Perhaps it is a slight overpay — but its inside of the ballpark for sure — especially if JGP can provide the stead play he has all of his career and by that I mean 30-40 points with goals in the middle-high teens and a plus 10-20 rating.
Some argued for a big-time addition on the wing for Barzal — and as nice as that would be — it would push the team to be top heavy, and the glaring hole for the Islanders has been the third line. And if Brassard comes back and gels with JGP (and I believe he will) this could be a situation where the Islanders roll with a 1, 2, 2a, 4.
Aside from the Pageau deal, it would be very interesting to know what the bones of the Ladd-Parise deal would have looked like. Had the Islanders found a way to correct one of Mike Milbury's most HORRIFIC wrongs, I think the benefit would have been astronomical.
