On February 24, 2020, about one year ago, the Ottawa Senators sent J-G Pageau to the New York Islanders for a conditional 2020 first-round draft pick, a 2020 second-round draft pick, and a conditional 2022 third-round draft pick. Immediately the Islanders signed Pageau to a six-year deal.

In his first game with the New York Islanders, Pageau instantly became a fan favorite. In a Thursday night game against the New York Rangers, Pageau’s presence was monumental. Pageau not only scored, but proved he was ready stand up for every single one of his new teammates. Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba laid a controversial hit on Michael Dal Colle, and Pageau came to his defense and fought the massive defender.

Pageau’s presence on the Islanders was massive, not only because of his goal-scoring abilities but because of the swagger and confidence he brought to the Islanders.

From Pageau’s hilarious ping pong tournament entrance to his attempt to make 6-foots-7-inch Brian Boyle flinch Pageau has brought a sense of immense swagger to the whole Islanders team.

Pageau’s veteran presence and goal-scoring ability were enormous for the Islanders during the bubble run. He scored eight goals and had 11 points in the Islanders’ 22 games last postseason. His eight goals were third most on the Islanders, behind Brock Nelson and Anthony Beauvillier.

Now, as the 2021 NHL season is underway, J.G. Pageau continues to do his thing. He has the second most goals on the team. Watching Pageau effortlessly find the back of the net with the Islanders is so refreshing. For a team that struggles offensively, adding a natural goal scorer like Pageau onto the roster was an enormous win.

Ethan Halle

Ethan is an Economics Major at the University of Florida looking to pursue a double major in Sports Management with a minor in political science.