Duclair’s health and role with the Islanders take center stage as Roy and Duclair mend fences after a sharp late-season critique. A groin injury that sidelined him for two months reshaped his 2023-24 start, and Roy now expects him to reclaim pre-injury form. With a likely third-line role behind Pageau and Holmström and a four-year, $14M contract in hand, Duclair’s fantasy upside hinges on health and early-season deployment.

Last season’s 24-goal output with San Jose and Tampa Bay sets a high-water mark, but success for the Isles will require a clean bill of health and a quick lens into his role on opening night. If Duclair looks himself again, the Isles gain a versatile winger who can contribute across lines and power play, potentially shifting the balance of their depth-chart at the start of the season.

Rasmus Andersson dispels rumors of signing with a single team, stressing he won’t handcuff his camp and that last season’s struggles make a quick extension unlikely. Calgary rewarded Dustin Wolf with a long-term deal, signaling confidence in the Flames’ goaltending pipeline. The piece connects Kyle Palmieri as a strong comparator for Anders Lee, then maps a wave of Islanders-UFA drama (Pageau, Shabanov, Gatcomb, Rittich) with Leafs and Penguins chatter shaping the market.

The Colorado Avalanche find themselves in a precarious situation heading into the season, particularly in their bottom six. With Logan O'Connor sidelined due to injury, the team faces a pressing need for depth on their third line. Potential trade targets include J.T. Compher, currently with the Red Wings, and Lawson Crouse from the Mammoth. Furthermore, if the New York Islanders struggle, Jean-Gabriel Pageau could become a viable option later in the season.

While keeping Charlie Coyle would have been ideal for center depth, the need for salary cap flexibility led to his departure along with Miles Wood. Meanwhile, as the Calgary Flames navigate their own challenges, their leading scorer Nazem Kadri's name has surfaced in trade discussions, which may not align with the team's goals.

The Minnesota Wild are reportedly considering a move for New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who is in the final year of his contract with a $5 million cap hit. Pageau's ability to play as a third-line center makes him an attractive option for several teams, including the Wild, as they seek to bolster their roster. However, his no-trade protection complicates any potential deal, as he has a list of 16 teams he can decline.

As discussions heat up around Pageau, the Wild’s front office is weighing their options, assessing how they can incorporate him into their lineup without compromising their long-term flexibility. Meanwhile, the Islanders may look to maximize their return on Pageau while he's still a valuable asset.