Islanders’ Newcomer Brayden Schenn, Just-Signed Jean-Gabriel Pageau Speak Ahead Of Game vs. Sharks
The Islanders look to snap a two-game skid in their first game since the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline.
After trading for center Brayden Schenn and extending Jean-Gabriel Pageau, the New York Islanders (35-23-5) battle the San Jose Sharks (30-25-5) at 10 PM ET.
The Islanders acquired Schenn from the St. Louis Blues for Jonathan Drouin, the Colorado Avalanche’s first-round pick, their 2026 third-round pick, and goaltending prospect Marcus Gidlof.
“It’s exciting to have Schenn,” Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. “I really think he’s going to help us a lot. He brings experience, leadership — he’s been a captain. I only see positives. Tonight we’re going to play him with Richie and Palat, and we’ll see how it goes.”
Pageau was given a three-year extension worth $4.85 million annually.
Ilya Sorokin, who made 30 saves on 35 shots in Thursday’s loss to the Los Angeles Kings, will get the start. He’ll face Yaroslav Askarov after Alex Nedeljkovic started yesterday in their 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues.
Anthony Duclair draws back in, last playing on Sunday in a 5-4 win over the Florida Panthers.
Here’s the projected lineup:
Emil Heineman — Bo Horvat — Mathew Barzal
Cal Ritchie — Brayden Schenn — Emil Heineman
Anders Lee — Jean-Gabriel Pageau — Simon Holmstrom
Anthony Duclair — Casey Cizikas — Marc Gatcomb
Matthew Schaefer — Ryan Pulock
Adam Pelech — Tony DeAngelo
Carson Soucy — Scott Mayfield
Ilya Sorokin
David Rittich
The Islanders have dropped their last two games, being outscored 10-4. The Sharks are 3-0-1 over their last four games.
Below is Brayden Schenn’s and Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s conversation with the local media following Islanders’ morning skate, courtesy of Max Miller, who covers the Sharks for San Jose Sharks Digest
Q&A: Brayden Schenn
Q: If you don’t mind, just share your perspective on what the last couple of days have been like for you and how we got to this point this morning.
Brayden Schenn: “It’s kind of a whirlwind. I go back two days ago when I got a call from Doug Armstrong, and he was pretty transparent with me about where they were at. Not just this year, but previous years too, in St. Louis — they weren’t happy with the direction of the team. I was there for a long time, and they’re going with a younger group now, guys 20 to 22 years old. I’m looking forward to coming to a team chasing a playoff spot because you can tell right now it’s a great group of guys that have fun playing for one another.”
Q: That being said, it’s hard to make a change like that when you’re comfortable somewhere. You had to waive a no-trade clause. What went into being comfortable enough with this group?
Schenn: “There’s always a human aspect to it, which you touched on. Now that I have a family and kids, and being in St. Louis for 10 years, obviously, a lot goes through your mind. But everyone gets traded. Some guys stay forever in one city, and some guys have to move on. What enticed me about this team — you look at it and see a franchise defenseman taking the league by storm, a great goaltender, and lots of skill up front.”
Q: What will you focus on in your first couple of games as you settle in with this group?
Schenn: “For me, it’s keeping it simple. Going into a new system, new linemates, a new group — you’re better off just playing your game, being simple and playing hard. As time goes on, you feel more comfortable. I said this morning I feel like a rookie again, walking into a new group and a new team with a new system, but that’s a challenge, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Q: Can you talk about keeping No. 10 and how that went over?
Schenn: “[Holmstrom] was great. I’ve worn it since I was five years old in minor hockey. When I showed up to junior, it was open. When I went to L.A., it was open for me, same thing in Philly and St. Louis. This was kind of the first time where I hadn’t worn it, but he was great about it.”
Q: You’ve been friends with Thomas Hickey for a long time. What did he say about the Islanders?
Schenn: “He’s a guy I’ve talked to for a long time. We trained together in Los Angeles one summer, and he’s been friends with my brother since we were 17 or 18. I’ve always talked to him about the Islanders. I also played with Josh Bailey before, and I know Clutterbuck and Martin. I know what that community is like and what living on Long Island is like — it’s a special place.”
Q: What do you think you can bring to this team right away?
Schenn: “Faceoffs are part of it, but I think I bring a physical edge. That’s the style I’ve always played with. When I’m physical, it gets me involved in the game, and everything else kind of comes after that.”
Q: Has Matthew Schaefer changed the perception of this team?
Schenn: “I don’t think that’s any secret. He’s world-class. He’s elite. You hear a lot about him and see the highlights, but you really learn what a guy’s about when you start playing with him. The guys in this room speak very highly of him — not just as a player but as a person. When superstars in this league are great teammates and good guys, players want to be around them and want to come play with them.”
Q&A: Jean-Gabriel Pageau
Q: Congratulations on the extension. Can you take us through the last couple of days and get this done?
Jean-Gabriel Pageau: “There’s always a lot building up with the trade deadline the past couple years. There’s always anxiety. But at the end of the day, we’re extremely happy with the result. I love playing for the Islanders. I take pride every time I put the jersey on. I love my teammates, I love the group, and I love where the team is going.”
Q: Was there a sense of relief once the deal was done?
Pageau: “Yes, for sure. When you have kids and a family, you never really know where you’re going to be the next day. So it was a relief just knowing we’re going to stay here. That’s where we wanted to be. Now we just want to keep going on our mission, make the playoffs, and build more.”
They will be highly motivated to play well in St. Louis on Tuesday . To me it’s a marker game for them. Eighteen games left and very little margin for error. Everyone is winning and the Islanders just have to put their heads down and take care of business especially defensively. I don’t think they have played well lately, but they have managed through. I think the lineup will be more solidified down the stretch. Still would want to see George up instead of Boqvist for depth. Also I would sign Eiserman to an ELC immediately upon completion of the NCAA season. I would also insert him into the lineup and see what the kid has. Kyle can be sent down to Bridgeport to make room. If Romanov is ready for playoff great. I don’t know the salary gymnastics that has to be done??? George, Eiserman, Romanov can help improve this team. Don’t think Danny Nelson is coming out, but he could also help out. As we get close to a playoff berth I would like to understand the feasibility of these roster moves above. George is capable of playing both sides and is a huge upgrade over Boqvist even as a depth player. Eiserman is what he is a PP specialist that can be electric ⚡️. We aren’t going anywhere in the playoffs without making a personnel change on the PP. Is it a gamble inserting him, sure it is but he also is a physical player and a lightening rod type that could jump start a dormant PP. Let Brayden Schenn center LW Eiserman and RW Ritchie!