The New York Islanders were active on the 2025-26 NHL Trade Deadline day, including landing the now former St. Louis Blue captain Brayden Schenn. They also announced that veteran Jean-Gabriel Pageau signs a three-year contract extension to stay on with the club. The deal sees an average annual value of $4.85 million. It is a good reward for Pageau to wind down his fabulous career.

The New York Islanders Announce that Jean-Gabriel Pageau Signs Extension

Let’s be honest, with the Matthew Schaefer narrative and goaltender Ilya Sorokin, they can be a very difficult team come the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. We wouldn’t expect any more than a round, if they’re lucky, but still, who knows?

Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal are as skilled as they come. Nobody wants to be the team that faces them in a seven-game first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series. And hey, Pageau is the perfect playoff, depth player. He is known for stepping up at those times.

Pageau, the Veteran, the Leader

Jean-Gabriel Pageau is a 33-year-old native of Ottawa, Ontario. He played 852 career NHL games, and has tallied 173 goals, 222 assists, and 395 career regular season points. This season he is playing very well. He has 14 goals, 15 assists in 55 games so far. That is in 15:28 of average ice time. Additionally, 11 times he has scored double-digit goals. Remarkably consistent, if you consider his ice time, deployment, and roles over the years. Furthermore, he has only known two NHL franchises throughout his career. He played 428 career games with the Ottawa Senators, and as of today, 424 with the Isles. Cool.

As we alluded to, the Islanders probably get a passing grade this trade deadline. Adding Schenn this season is a huge boost, as he is a playoff performer, even back to his younger days with the Philadelphia Flyers. With 75 points, the Islanders are somewhat comfortable in the Metropolitan Division standings. However, the next team, in fourth the Columbus Blue Jackets will be pushing them down the stretch.

The New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders Swap Forwards

Main Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images