Thu Sep 26 12:55:27 UTC 2024: ## Pageau Steps Away from Hockey, Returns Refreshed

New York Islanders forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau took a unique approach to this offseason, prioritizing time away from hockey to recharge after a disappointing season. While he maintained his usual training regimen, Pageau spent a couple of weeks in his hometown of Ottawa, golfing and spending time with family. This deliberate “deprivation” from hockey was a calculated move to reignite his passion for the game.

“Maybe that’s the weight I needed to get off my shoulders,” Pageau explained after Wednesday’s practice. “Spending summers here [on Long Island], working out, and practicing every day can be a lot. Just to go away, go back home, have that for a couple of weeks, golf trips, spend time with my family – I think it was massive.”

The move seems to have paid off. Pageau, who scored only 11 goals last season and struggled to replicate his usual two-way impact, appears energized and ready to rebound. He’s confident that the time away will help him deliver a strong season for the Islanders.

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