Kelly McCrimmon isn't one to shy away from a trade. He's like Zion Williamson looking at an all-you-can-eat buffet. He just can't help himself in the realm of roster-building, doing whatever it takes to make a Stanley Cup-winning roster. And why not? He's already done it in 2023 by acquiring key players to aid in the run. But there could be one more move he has up his sleeve.
According to Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News, the Vegas Golden Knights could make a run at Jean-Gabriel Pageau of the New York Islanders. The center has 10 goals and 17 assists this season, adding a scoring bite to a team 26th in the NHL in overall scoring (2.73 goals per game). That also comes with a short-handed goal and two short-handed assists, making him a valuable special teams player.
He also has a 16-team modified no-trade clause in his contract along with a $5 million cap hit. The 32-year-old is also signed through the 2025-26 season, giving McCrimmon some wiggle room for keeping him around. He also wouldn't be the first player primarily focused on the penalty kill acquired by McCrimmon: Teddy Blueger was also traded for these same reasons, bolstering the special teams en route to a Stanley Cup.
So let's look at what makes Pageau worth the price of admission. What special talents does he carry that'll make the Golden Knights special? Where would he fit in a hypothetical lineup? Let's get to know the Ottawa native and see where he would fit in the grand scheme of things.
What would Jean-Gabriel Pageau do for the Vegas Golden Knights?
Jean-Gabriel Pageau is known as a proficient checker, amassing 108 hits with the New York Islanders this season. He has 1,620 total hits in his 13-year career, adding a physical presence to the lower lines. That presence would fit well with a player like Keegan Kolesar, who would make wearing his opponents down easier.
The 32-year-old is solid at winning faceoffs when needed, boasting a career faceoff percentage of 54.3%. He has a percentage of 59.7% for this season alone, which would come in handy for keeping possessions with the Vegas Golden Knights.
However, that's not his main calling card. The Ottawa native also thrives on the penalty kill, where he's a scoring threat. He has 21 career short-handed goals and 18 short-handed assists, coming in unexpectedly and with a burst of speed. He can also disrupt the play and make the necessary exit, something that's desperately needed for the 21st-best unit in the NHL (76.7%).
While all of this sounds grand, there are some alarming concerns. First, the forward is undersized, standing at 5'11" and weighing 195 lbs. He might wear down quickly given his size and age, leaving him to lag. But he plays bigger than his frame, taking on bigger foes without breaking a sweat. His cap hit might also be problematic if no retention is involved. Still, that likely won't matter if Shea Theodore hits LTIR, where the team can free up his $5.2 million AAV cap hit.
Such negatives won't deter Kelly McCrimmon from exploring a trade with the Islanders. The penalty kill doesn't have William Karlsson right now, leaving a void on special teams. Therefore, a move must be made to shore up the unit. What better way to beef the group up than going with a dude near Coney Island (bing bong!)?