## Islanders’ GM Mathieu Darche Maintains Calm Amid Contract Talks with Lee and Pageau
**NASHVILLE, Tenn.** – As the NHL season progresses, Islanders general manager **Mathieu Darche** remains composed regarding the contract situations of **Anders Lee** and **Jean-Gabriel Pageau**, both of whom are pending free agents. Despite speculation surrounding these contracts, Darche emphasized on Thursday that there have been no discussions about extensions for either player.
### No Rush for Extensions
Before the Islanders’ recent 2-1 shootout loss to the Predators, Darche stated, “This is the team I have right now.” His relaxed stance indicates he does not feel pressured to finalize contracts before the March 7 trade deadline. “I don’t give myself a deadline, necessarily. They know I’m happy with them, they know they’re part of our team. We’ll just go from there.”
This approach contrasts sharply with former GM **Lou Lamoriello’s** strategy last year, when he attempted to sign **Brock Nelson** before ultimately trading him to the Avalanche after negotiations faltered. While the Islanders were on the periphery of the playoff race last year, this season paints a different picture. Currently, the team sits in second place in the **Metropolitan Division**, reinforcing their playoff aspirations.
### Key Considerations for Both Players
The futures of Lee and Pageau are garnering attention, especially given that both players own partial no-trade clauses. If they were made available, it’s likely they would attract significant interest from other teams. Darche’s recent comments have fortified the Islanders’ negotiating stance, suggesting they are not obliged to entertain offers below market value for either player.
**Anders Lee** explained, “I’ve been focused on our team and putting ourselves in a good position where we’re adding at the deadline. We believe in this room that we’re a playoff team.” Similarly, Pageau stated, “For me, I’m an Islander. I play every night, I want to win. The other stuff will take care of itself.”
### Islanders’ Positive Outlook
With a successful season thus far—including a recent impressive 9-0 victory over the Devils—the Islanders are bolstering their case for being a serious playoff contender.
– **Current Standings**: Second in the Metropolitan Division
– **Recent Performance**: 9-0 win against the Devils
– **Future Outlook**: Strong playoff aspirations
### Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
The NHL will implement a roster freeze during the **Olympic break**, which could influence trade dynamics. Darche notes that the freeze might incentivize early transactions, giving players time to acclimate before returning to competitive play.
“The timing’s good for me to add someone doesn’t mean it’s the right timing for the other side also. It’s gonna come quick after the Olympics, for sure,” asserted Darche.
When evaluating the current trajectory of the team, if the Islanders sustain their present form, Darche may opt to maintain his current roster rather than pursue trades.
### Conclusion: A Unified Focus on the Playoffs
As the Islanders make their push toward the playoffs, the discussion surrounding Lee and Pageau’s contracts may fade. Darche’s ability to keep both players and act as a buyer at the trade deadline showcases both the team’s competitive spirit and strategic foresight.
“I’m happy that we’ve set ourselves in a position to fight and be in the playoffs,” concluded Darche. “There’s still a lot of work to be done.”
For the latest updates on the Islanders, consider checking out resources like [NHL News](https://www.nhl.com).
