We are turning the clock back to the 1980-81 trade deadline in the NHL. The New York Islanders' trade deadline, that is. The Islanders were looking for that one player to make a push in the playoffs. They were looking for a centre who could ease the pressure on Trottier. Enter Butch Goring of the LA Kings, a trade that cost Billy Harris and Dave Lewis several Stanley Cup rings. They have been sending Goring hate letters ever since. (joke)
It was not Butch Goring's stats that made him so valuable. It was his versatility. He could be used in all aspects of the game: in the powerplay, short-handed, or 5-on-5. He could be put in for a vital faceoff. He could be thrown in the third line, the fourth line, or even the first line. He could adjust to every situation. He was that vital piece to make a sports car run even faster.
Fast forward back to 2020. Enter Mr. Pageau, another centre the Isles so desperately needed at the deadline. Everyone knew the Islanders needed one more scorer to ensure they made the playoffs. They just did not have enough scoring support on the bottom six. Their special teams were struggling. They needed that spark to light a fire under their butts. Pageau, like Goring, can fill in any lines, whether the first or second or third line. What makes Jean-Gabriel so valuable is his hard work and desire to get things done.
Sound familiar? It is interesting when you think about the timing of both trades. I am not saying Pageau will bring the Isles the cup. But he might be that player that lift the Islanders to new heights.
Randy
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