The New York Rangers are a team that will be expected to have a much stronger 25-26 campaign than 24-25 campaign. The expectations in New York are clear: A playoff return is a must for this Mike Sullivan led squad.
In order to make a serious playoff push, the Rangers could use more depth in their lineup. Of note their center rotation at the moment currently consists of J.T Miller, Vinny Trocheck, Jusso Parssinen and Sam Carrick. The top 6 is strong, but the bottom 6 leaves much to be desired.
Cole Shelton of Heavy Sports has a trade proposal for the Rangers that would address this bottom 6 center need. In this deal, the Rangers swap talent with their fellow New York foe the Islanders.
Rangers receive: Jean-Gabriel-Pageau
Islanders receive: Brennan Othmann, 2026 fifth round pick
Why would the Rangers make this trade?
The Rangers need an upgrade at the 3rd line center position. Pageau fits the bill for what they could use; the veteran 32 year old forward scored 14 goals and added 28 assists for 42 points in 79 games with the Islanders last year. With Pageau added to the fold, suddenly the Rangers center rotation of Miller-Trocheck-Pageau-Parssinen looks quite formidable.
For the Islanders, the standards this season are much different. This is a rebuilding team that will not be expected to make a playoff push this year. Losing Pageau, who is entering the final year of his current contract, is not a deal breaker. And in return they receive a young 22 forward prospect in Othmann, who will get a chance to show his potential in Long Island.
We’ll see what, if any, moves the Rangers make as they look to increase their odds of returning to playoff contention this upcoming season.
