The Hockey News' Stefen Rosner explains why New York Islanders fans can be optimistic heading into next season. We here at The Hockey News have begun our New York Islanders Milestone Watch series for the 2023-24 season. After kicking things off with Matt Martin [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/matt-martin-new-york-islanders-milestones-2023-24-season] and following that story with one on Cal Clutterbuck [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/cal-clutterbuck-new-york-islanders-milestone-1000-games-300-points-500-blocks] and Casey Cizikas, [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/casey-cizikas-new-york-islanders-300-goal-milestone-800-games-played-2023-24] we move on to the third line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwMDAyOTc2MjI2NDg1MzU2/usatsi_19941992.jpg] Jean-Gabriel Pageau [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/news/alex-debrincat-new-york-islanders-ottawa-senators-jean-gabriel-pageau] may not have the offensive touch the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/new-york-islanders-great-nicknames-hockey-history-stan-fischler] envisioned upon acquiring the centerman before the 2020 NHL Trade Deadline. Still, he's undoubtedly made up for it in other categories. An impeccable penalty killer who shines in the face-off dot --winning a career-high 57.2 percent of his draws in 2022-23 -- Pageau found himself in the rumor mill this summer. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwMDAzNDQ5NzQ2NjMwMDA4/usatsi_19655347.jpg] According to Newsday's Andrew Gross [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/news/alex-debrincat-new-york-islanders-ottawa-senators-jean-gabriel-pageau], Pageau was one player the Islanders would have sent to the Ottawa Senators, his former club and hometown team, for forward Alex DeBrincat. However, DeBrincat made it known that heading home to Detroit was his game plan, and after the logistics were figured out, that plan was executed. There were also the swirling rumors regarding Pageau and the Boston Bruins, who need centers, with Patrice Bergeron calling it a career and David Krejci likely doing the same. But, as we sit here on August 11, Pageau is still an Islander with three years left on his deal at $5 million annually. After setting a career-high in assists with 27 this past season, with 13 goals, Pageau sits just nine points away from 300 for his career. Pageau surpassed the 100-point mark this past season as an Islander (103) after coming over from Ottawa with 182. The ping-pong master will also reach a few other milestones in 2023-24. Pageau sits 64 games shy of 400 for his career and 23 blocks away from 200 as an Islander. Albeit five-foot-11, weighing 185 pounds, Pageau loves to lay the body and sits 31 away from the 500-hit mark with New York. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwMDAzNDU1OTIwNjQ1MjI4/usatsi_19721543.jpg] Since joining the Islanders, Pageau has been their top penalty killer and has centered the line that often goes against the opponent's best. Pageau's value is invaluable, and if the Islanders are going to do anything in 2023-24, they will need Pageau to continue to be that shutdown forward, face-off specialist, and top-flight penalty killer. Join Stefen Rosner's New York Islanders page on Bunches [https://www.onbunches.com/$rosnerislandershockey], a new app that connects sports fans. Also, you can listen to Rosner talk Islanders hockey on Hockey Night in New York [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYN7JIgdHnM&t=956s] with co-host Sean Cuthbert [https://twitter.com/seanyhockey] Sunday nights at 8 PM ET during the season.
