Bruins Circling Pageau Again – But Why?
So, the Bruins are once again showing interest in Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Sound familiar? That’s because it is. Unless something significantly shifts, this feels like more of the same from Boston.
Not rebuilding, not contending—just treading water
Boston clearly isn’t tearing it down. With stars like David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy in their prime, and Jeremy Swayman providing stability in goal, this team isn’t looking to rebuild. But if the goal is to win now, why is GM Don Sweeney still targeting the same kind of depth pieces that didn’t push them over the top before?
Islanders reporter Stefen Rosner says the Bruins have checked in on Pageau—again. This isn’t new; he’s been on Boston’s radar before, but they’ve never made the move. Maybe there’s been a good reason for that.
New regime, new possibilities on Long Island
With Mathieu Darche now running the Islanders and the team unexpectedly landing the first overall pick, the dynamics in New York are shifting. Lou Lamoriello is no longer calling the shots, so longtime favorites like Pageau could finally be in play.
From the Islanders’ perspective, it makes sense. Pageau is 31, has a hefty cap hit, and likely doesn’t factor into their long-term plans. But for the Bruins?
That’s where things get complicated.
It’s the same script—again
Pageau is a good player. He’s reliable, defensively sound, wins faceoffs, and plays with intensity. But Boston already had a trio of similar centers last season—Charlie Coyle, Pavel Zacha, and Elias Lindholm—and it didn’t get them anywhere.
Coyle was moved at the trade deadline. Lindholm may not return. Zacha remains. Swapping in Pageau just to replay the same formula doesn’t feel like progress. It feels like hitting repeat.
What the Bruins really need: a top-line center
Unless Boston pulls off a rare feat and drafts an NHL-ready center at No. 7—something that hardly ever happens—they’ll be staring down another year with a shaky middle. And likely, the same results.
If the Bruins are serious about contending, they need to stop tinkering and start aiming higher.
Already on the line with the Islanders? Then why not go big and ask about Mathew Barzal? Yes, he’d cost a lot, but he’s the kind of game-changer Boston desperately needs. He’s not just another middle-six filler—he elevates your entire team.
Pageau isn’t the problem—but he’s not the answer either
This isn’t a knock on Pageau. He’s a solid, dependable NHLer. But the Bruins are past the point where “solid” moves the needle.
They’ve patched this roster before. It hasn’t worked. It’s time to stop covering up holes and start laying a foundation for something stronger.
Leave a Reply