Jean-Gabriel Pageau has signed a three-year contract extension with the New York Islanders, citing his connection to the area and support from fans as key reasons for his decision. “Long Island feels like home,” Pageau said. “For me and my family, we love everything about it. The fans here are just genuine. They’re always nice to us, and that makes us want to stick around. That’s why we made the decision and wanted to re-sign with the Islanders.”
Since joining the Islanders, Pageau has been recognized for his versatility on the ice by Head Coach Patrick Roy, who took over in January 2024. Roy stated, “I’m very happy for him, it’s always fun to see someone rewarded in that regard. He’s been playing so well for us. Ever since I’ve been here, his game has been really solid and he plays different kinds of roles.”
Pageau is regarded as one of the NHL’s top penalty killers and faceoff specialists. His leadership extends beyond gameplay; he is a mentor in the locker room, especially for younger teammates like Simon Holmstrom. Holmstrom commented on Pageau’s influence: “He’s a big mentor for me, he’s helped me a lot through these first couple years in the league,” adding that playing alongside Pageau and Anders Lee has been valuable.
The chemistry between Pageau and Holmstrom is notable on both regular lines and during penalty kills. Since 2012-13, Pageau ranks second among active skaters in shorthanded goals (24) and points (46). With 26 shorthanded points as an Islander, he holds fifth place in franchise history.
Holmstrom highlighted how Pageau encourages confidence: “He’s always talked to me a lot, telling me to play with confidence and to just be myself out there,” he said. “He’s helped me out a lot, just bringing confidence to my game as well. I’m really happy to have him here for the next three years.”
Coach Roy emphasized Pageau’s effectiveness at faceoffs—he currently ranks fifth in the NHL this season with a 60.3% faceoff win rate (minimum 500 draws)—and described him as reliable during critical moments: “He wins important faceoffs in key moments of the game, especially on the right side in our d-zone,” Roy said.
General Manager Mathieu Darche explained that retaining centers was important at this year’s trade deadline but keeping Pageau was an easy choice: “It was a fairly easy negotiation,” Darche said. “We talked and I think it’s a deal that fits us going forward. You see Pageau and the way he’s played in the last few weeks, how well he’s played all year. In the playoffs every year he’s really good.”
Reflecting on finalizing his contract before the trade deadline passed, Pageau shared his relief: “It’s stressful around the deadline, I tried to control what I could,” he said. “We’re extremely happy with the result, my wife and kids, we’re happy on the Island.”
Currently sitting second in their division with 77 points as they approach their final stretch of games before playoffs begin, both team management and players expressed optimism about having Pageau remain part of their playoff push.
“I take pride every time I wear this jersey,” Pageau said. “I love my teammates, I love the organization. I want to do my best every night. I’m extremely happy I’ll get to do that again.”
