Jean-Gabriel Pageau
A clutch playoff performer whose work ethic and two-way mastery made him a fan favorite in Ottawa and a key cog on Long Island.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: November 11·Millennials
Biography
Jean-Gabriel Pageau's story is a classic hockey archetype: the late-round draft pick who outworks everyone to carve out an essential role. Selected 96th overall by Ottawa, the Gatineau native was never supposed to be a star, but his relentless motor and intelligent two-way play quickly made him indispensable. He became the embodiment of the Senators' heart, a penalty-killing menace and a center who could be trusted in any situation. His legend in Ottawa was cemented one spring night in 2017 when he scored four goals—including the overtime winner—in a playoff game against the Rangers, sending the Canadian Tire Centre into a frenzy of chanted 'Pageau! Pageau!' Traded to the New York Islanders, he seamlessly integrated into their structured, demanding system under Barry Trotz. Pageau proved he was no mere sentimental story, becoming a foundational piece of a perennial playoff contender, valued for the same gritty, detailed game that defined his rise.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jean-Gabriel was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jean-Gabriel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Jean-Gabriel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored four goals, including the overtime winner, for the Ottawa Senators in Game 2 of the 2017 Eastern Conference Second Round against the New York Rangers.
- Won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL's best defensive forward in the 2022-23 season.
- Recorded a career-high 26 goals and 52 points during the 2021-22 season with the New York Islanders.
- Represented Team Canada at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, winning a silver medal.
Did You Know?
His four-goal playoff game in 2017 led to the crowd chanting his name, a moment immortalized in a popular YouTube video.
He is of French-Canadian and Indigenous (Métis) descent.
He played his junior hockey for the Gatineau Olympiques in the QMJHL, close to his hometown.
His jersey number 44 with the Islanders was previously worn by team legend Butch Goring.
“I just try to play the right way, be good defensively, and the offense will come.”
