Bruins Eye Blockbuster Deal for $30M Star Center — Fans Won’t Believe Who!

The Boston Bruins are heading into the offseason with plans to quickly retool their roster, and one of the most pressing needs is adding depth at center — specifically a dependable middle-six option.

With Pavel Zacha likely centering the top line, that leaves openings on the second and third lines. Casey Mittelstadt and Elias Lindholm are currently on the roster, but both have question marks. Mittelstadt’s performance in Buffalo and Colorado suggests he’s better suited for a third-line role, while moving Lindholm to the wing could maximize his effectiveness.

This situation opens the door for Boston to explore the trade market, and one potential target already being discussed is New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

Pageau is entering the final year of his six-year, $30 million contract, and the Islanders may not plan to re-sign him. With new GM Mathieu Darche taking over, Pageau could be on the move — and insider David Pagnotta has already linked him to the Bruins. The Islanders reportedly explored trading Pageau at the deadline but couldn’t finalize a deal.

Boston could slot Pageau into the second-line center spot, potentially pairing him with Lindholm (if he moves to the wing) and a top-six winger the Bruins hope to acquire this offseason.

What Would the Bruins Have to Give Up?

Whether the Bruins see Pageau as a short-term rental or a longer-term piece will determine what they’re willing to spend. Here’s one proposed trade:

To Bruins:

• Jean-Gabriel Pageau (C)
• Julien Gauthier (F, RFA)

To Islanders:

• 2025 second-round pick
• Victor Soderstrom (D)

Boston would gain a proven center and a young winger who could immediately contribute. Meanwhile, the Islanders get a second-rounder and a defensive prospect who could either bolster their AHL depth or fill in at the NHL level if injuries strike.

Importantly, the Islanders would also clear $5 million in cap space, giving them flexibility to pursue other free agents.

One Big Obstacle

Pageau holds a 16-team no-trade clause. If Boston is on that list, the deal hinges on him waiving it. If he does, and both sides find the deal fair, a trade could be made.

That said, Boston already has Zacha, Mittelstadt, and Lindholm under contract at a combined $18.25 million. Adding Pageau’s $5 million could crowd the salary cap unless one of the current centers — likely Lindholm — is moved.