New York Islanders Lou Lamoriello Goes All In for J.G. Pageau

The New York Islanders were not quiet this NHL Trade Deadline. Lou Lamoriello made quite a big move on deadline day landing Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

The New York Islanders Team President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello went all in acquiring Jean-Gabriel Pageau. The price was expensive but Pageau can help the Isles in so many different ways.

Pageau’s Value

Pageau can help the Isles in so many different ways. The Isles have been short a center all season long and Pageau is a two-way player that is the very definition of a Barry Trotz player.

Also, Pageau will give the Isles secondary scoring (24 Goals, 40 Points, 60 Games) and is a terrific penalty killer. Pageau can play against other teams’ top players as well as he is a strong defensive player.

Outside of a game-changing type of goal scorers such as Artemi Panarin and none of those players were available, Pageau is exactly what the blue and orange needed.

Price Was High

Make no mistake the price was high for Pageau but this tells me two things. First off, that Lamoriello thinks the Isles are very capable of making a run this Spring. Lou would not have traded away his first and second-round picks in this year’s NHL Draft, which is very strong unless he thought the addition of Pageau would provide big dividends in terms of playoff success.

Secondly, Lou is looking to extend him. He is exactly the kind of player Lou and Trotz want to have on their team. Lamoriello sees Pageau, not as a rental but someone who will be part of their core moving forward. The Isles have a big need at center and it’s not an organizational strength in terms of their prospect pipeline.

Having said all that Lamoriello paid a big price. The 2020 Draft has a high grade and the Isles just trade away two very valuable draft picks. A bold move by Lou but a gamble that is well worth it.