In June of 2001, Michael Peca needed a place to play, and the Islanders needed a captain. The two found each other thanks to a post-draft trade, and Peca played an integral role in leading the franchise through a much-needed turn of the millennium renaissance.
Peca wasn’t the biggest player on the ice, but his knack for clutch goals, big hits and leadership helped the Islanders to their best season since the Dynasty years. Along the way, he became the first Islander to win the NHL’s Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward.