The New York Islanders have acquired Jean-Gabriel Pageau from the Ottawa Senators, in exchange for a conditional 2020 first-round pick, a second-round pick in 2020 and a conditional third-round pick in 2022. The first-round pick is top-three protected this season and would shift to 2021 should it become a top-three pick, while the third round pick is only exchanged should the Islanders win the Stanley Cup this year.
This is a good trade for both teams. New York may have paid a lot in the deal but Pageau immediately helps New York’s offense and if he plays as a third-line third center, he gives the Islanders three lines who can contribute. If New York manages to re-sign him, he rounds out a trio of productive centers who can be with the team long-term.
This also gives the Islanders the ability to move Derick Brassard to the wing. Brassard has generally been at his best this year when he’s playing on the wing in the top-six, rather than centering the third-line. I’d assume Josh Bailey is maybe the one to move down to the third-line to play with Pageau.
I had said before I felt the Islanders needed to make an additional trade after acquiring Andy Greene and I’m glad they did. They gave up some good picks but they chose a direction and committed to it and it’s exciting to see them land a quality player.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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