Why would the Isles trade Pageau, and for lesser pieces?

Makes absolutely no sense.

Because Beauvillier and Sorokin still RFA... They got Brock Nelson... Barzal contract ends on 2023 (it's coming soon).

The Islanders currently have 18 mill in cap space. Barzal still has 2 years left on his contract. There’s no reason for the Isles to trade Pageau right now

And they can easily sign Beau and Sorokin.

Next year Boychuk and Clutter come off the books.

If Nelson is re-signed it would be too a smaller deal but most likely not re-signed.

Barzal probably gets a small increase.

Their cap situation is absolutely fine.

Isles definitely decline

Chiarot is perfect for Trotz. Don't forget you don't have a lot of LD (Pelech, Aho and Greene). Chiarot could be a pretty good LD under Pelech. Aho and Greene will switch.