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Detroit Red Wings to reportedly acquire $30M center this NHL off-season
As the Detroit Red Wings fight for a playoff berth, the team is already looking ahead to the offseason, with plans to add to their roster by targeting a seasoned NHL veteran.
According to NHL analyst Michael DeRosa of NHLTradeRumors, the Red Wings are likely to pursue acquiring New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau this summer.
DeRosa stated that strengthening the center position should be a top priority for Detroit in the offseason.
«Improving down the middle should be a priority for the Red Wings this offseason, as they undoubtedly need more depth,» he wrote.
Red Wings find their ideal second line center
Pageau is a reliable two-way player and could seamlessly slot into Detroit's middle six, taking pressure off of the Red Wings' second-line center Marco Kasper.
He is in the fifth year of a six-year, $30 million contract with the Islanders, Pageau could serve as a one-year rental for the Red Wings if traded this offseason.
The 32-year-old has tallied 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points in 63 games this season.
Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman wants to build a Stanley Cup contender in Detroit, regardless of whether the team makes the playoffs this year or not.
«I'm going to continue doing what I think is right over the course of the summer, at the draft, and always do that,» Yzerman said. «I want to win a Stanley Cup as much as anybody in this city, and I take full responsibility for where we're at today.»
While the trade deadline has passed, Yzerman is now focused on evaluating the team's needs for the offseason, which is quite frustrating for Red Wings fans.
Has Yzerman given up on this seasons playoff hopes? Clearly so, as revealed by his lack of trade deadline moves.
Pageau's name surfaced in trade rumors at this year's NHL trade deadline, according to The Athletic's Arthur Staple.
«Jean-Gabriel Pageau had plenty of interest in a center-thin market,» Staple stated
Pageau may be the ideal need for the Red Wings this summer, and an extra touch of veteran presence to compliment the youth up front.
| POLL | ||
MARS 18 | 178 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings to reportedly acquire $30M center this NHL off-season Should the Detroit Red Wings invest in this New York Islanders center? | ||
| Yes | 46 | 25.8 % |
| Maybe | 68 | 38.2 % |
| No | 64 | 36 % |
| List of polls | ||
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