In his first game with the Islanders, Jean-Gabriel Pageau not only impressed on the score sheet but also surprised many fans when he fought Rangers defender Jacob Trouba after a questionable hit on Michael Dal Colle. By fighting, it shows how Pageau has seamlessly fit into the Islanders gritty, hard-nosed system. Pageau is not much of a fighter, as he has only fought a few times before this one, but when push comes to shove, he is willing to stand up for his teammates when needed.
“Here’s a player that, you know, we wanted him, we got him for the next six years,” Trotz said after Pageau’s first game. “He’s impactful. You see how he changes our team in so many ways. You saw how he stepped up. I mean, what a great pick up by [Lamoriello]. The picks are nothing. I can tell you that because a lot of picks never play,”
I think it is quite clear that Trotz is happy with his new player, and is happy to see his resilience and fearless gameplay.
Along with getting into a fight, Pageau also potted a goal. This would continue Pageau’s excellent season he is having, adding on to his career-high, bringing his total goal count up to 25. A game later, he scored another one. Granted, his first goal may have been fluky, it is still a goal nonetheless. Scoring a goal and getting into a fight is a great way to impress a fan base, and Pageau’s feistiness will go a long way into making Islanders fans fall in love with him.

Everything Pageau brings to the game is something that Trotz loves, as Pageau fits the stereotypical Trotz and Lamoriello system that had brought success to the Isles over the past year.
“He fits right in our hockey team,” Trotz said. “You saw the character; you saw how he plays, the smarts, all of that. He’s going to be impact for us.”
Some fans may worry about the cost of Pageau, but all signs are pointing towards their concerns not becoming reality. Judging whether the payment for Pageau was worth it will be up to what the Islanders do in the spring; however, for right now it looks like this is an investment that can provide a substantial return. 
Jean-Gabriel Pageau is here for good. So get used to all the benefits he brings to the team.

John Smark