On Feb. 24, 2020, New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello did the unthinkable. He made a huge trade for Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, giving up three draft picks, including an Islanders first-round pick. Later that day, he was re-signed to a six-year contract extension. Although he only played seven games for the Islanders before the shutdown, it was a sign of bigger things to come.

Pageau was brought in to finally fill the yhtid line center role that the Islanders were missing. He slid into that spot perfectly and as soon as he arrived on Long Island, he became a fan favorite. In his debut, Pageau scored a goal and dropped the gloves to step up for one of his new teammates, Michael Dal Colle. This was a moment where he represented the Isles identity.

Early into bubble life, Pageau won the “Boys of the Isle” ping-pong tournament sparking laughs all across social media. He was extremely excited to become and Islander and eager for a chance to win a Stanley Cup. Another funny moment was when he flinched at Brian Boyle. He was embraced by all Isles fans very quickly.

Brian Boyle intimidated by JG Pageau #Isles pic.twitter.com/zYVQ28L0fH

— IslesBlog (@IslesBlog) August 4, 2020

In the first game of the 2020 Stanley Cup Qualifiers for New York, Pageau opened the scoring, beginning their quest for the Stanley Cup. Over the course of the Islanders deep run to the Eastern Conference Final, he potted eight goals as well as three assists, good for 11 points.

Pageau was one of the most consistent Islanders throughout the playoffs, averaging around 17 minutes a game. He has been used in all situations including the power-play and penalty-kill, and has stepped into any role necessary. He has filled in on the fourth line when the injuries piled up.

Islanders fans are excited to watch their first full season with Pageau as an Islander. The energy and excitement he brings to the bottom-six is perfect for the team. He is a great fit for Barry Trotz’s defensive scheme and play style. He is a great addition to this team on and off the ice.

Looking ahead to next season, the goal for Pageau is to play great defensive hockey while also putting up points. Something to look into is who will be playing on both of his wings. The third line was a turn-style for most of the past season featuring many players such as Derick Brassard, Otto Koivula, Leo Komarov, Andrew Ladd and more.

Pageau solidifies the center position of this line but it is unknown who will take the wings. Will Lou Lamoriello put faith in rookies Kieffer Bellows and Oliver Wahlstrom? Or will he sign a depth piece in free agency to play with Pageau. This is something to look into as the offseason looms.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau is a perfect example of what it means to be on the New York Islanders. He is happy to be in New York and the fans are very lucky that he is locked up for six more years. The trade in February has already paid off and will continue to do so for many years to come.

John Smark