The Trade Deadline always seems to go the same way for the Islanders. But this year was different. Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello went all in and acquired the best player on the market, JG Pageau.
Pageau was acquired from the Senators on the morning of deadline day, Feb. 24, for a first-round pick and second-round pick in this year’s draft, and a third-round pick in next year’s draft if the Islanders win the Stanley Cup this season. 
Pageau brings immediate goal-scoring help to the Islanders. Before arriving on the Island, Pageau was enjoying a career year in Ottawa with 24 goals and 16 assists for a total of 40 points. The 27-year-old center is also known for is face-off work. 
Drafted by the Senators in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft, it took Pageau some time to find his way to becoming a premier threat in the NHL. Pageau did not play in a full NHL season until the 2015-16 season, but in that season, Pageau scored 19 goals and 43 assists. 
But the name J.G. Pageau did not become known until the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs.  It was Game 2 of the second round of the playoffs. JG Pageau had scored two goals in the first and second period, but the Senators still trailed the Rangers 5-4 with just over one minute to go in the contest.
But then, Pageau saved the day. A shot from the point by Erik Karlsson was deflected into the net by the stick of Pageau tying the game for the Senators and taking the game into overtime. And in double overtime, Pageau broke out in a 2-on-1 rush and found the back of the net for his fourth goal of the game and the game-winner.
The Senators won the series in seven games largely due to the contributions of Pageau in that game and the series. Although the Senators lost in the Conference Final to the Penguins in seven games, the name Pageau became an NHL household name.
Pageau is a perfect fit for the Islanders. He fits a dire need as a third-line center and unlike many other players on the Islanders, he can put the puck in the net. But the question that many Islander fans, including myself, are thinking following this trade, was it worth it? 
In my opinion, it was totally worth it. Pageau is the guy. The Islanders got their goal scorer.

David Lazar