The Detroit Red Wings may look to make significant roster changes this offseason as they continue their push for a playoff berth.
Whether or not Detroit secures a postseason spot, the team is expected to focus on upgrading its lineup. NHL analyst Michael DeRosa of NHLTradeRumors suggests that one potential target could be Jean-Gabriel Pageau of the New York Islanders.
“Adding depth at center should be high on the Red Wings’ priority list this offseason,” DeRosa wrote. “Pageau would be a solid fit in their middle six, offering offensive production along with strong defensive play. His two-way game could also make him a valuable asset on both the power play and penalty kill.”
Pageau is currently in the fifth season of a six-year, $30 million contract with the Islanders. If Detroit were to trade for him this summer, he would likely serve as a one-year rental and slot in as the team’s third-line center.
This season, Pageau has tallied 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points over 63 games with New York.
Red Wings GM Will Continue to Improve Team
The Detroit Red Wings are in the thick of the playoff race, and whether or not they secure a postseason spot, general manager Steve Yzerman intends to be aggressive this offseason.
Yzerman has made it clear his ultimate goal is to bring the Stanley Cup back to Detroit, and he’s confident the team is on the right path to becoming a true contender.
“I’m going to keep doing what I believe is best for this team,” Yzerman said. “Whether it’s at the trade deadline, during the summer, or at the draft, my decisions are made with the team’s future in mind. I want to make the playoffs. I want to win a Stanley Cup just as much as anyone in this city, and I take full responsibility for where we are today. Every move I make will be about what’s right for the Red Wings in both the short and long term.”
Now that the trade deadline has passed, Yzerman’s attention is on evaluating the team down the stretch and identifying areas for improvement in the offseason.
“We’re in for an exciting playoff race,” Yzerman said. “It’s going to be a battle to the end, and I’m hopeful we can stay in the mix for one of those Wild Card spots. The NHL is seeing a lot of excitement this year, especially in the Eastern Conference, and the final stretch should be very interesting.”
The Red Wings currently sit at 32-29-6, just two points shy of a playoff position.
Pageau Had Trade Interest
Even though Jean-Gabriel Pageau still has a full season left on his contract, his name surfaced in trade rumors leading up to the deadline.
According to Arthur Staple of The Athletic, the Islanders received interest from other teams regarding Pageau, but ultimately chose not to trade him.
“Once the Nelson extension was finalized late Thursday, attention turned to Friday,” Staple reported. “Would Lamoriello find a trade partner for Kyle Palmieri? And what about Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who drew significant interest in a market thin on centers? … In the end, both Pageau and Anders Lee stayed put, with Lamoriello turning down all offers. ‘We never heard (Pageau’s) name once,’ said an executive from a team that spent Friday hunting for a center.”
The Islanders, sitting at 30-28-8, are currently four points out of a playoff position.
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