Center Jean-Gabriel Pageau has re-signed with the Ottawa Senators, inking a three-year, $9.3 million contract that will keep him in Ottawa until 2020. He will still be under team control as a restricted free agent upon expiration. Pageau has spent the first five seasons of his career with the Senators.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau (OTT) has settled:
17-18 – 2.600,000
18-19 – 3.300,000
19-20 – 3.400,000— Craig Morgan (@craigsmorgan) July 17, 2017
Pageau is an Ottawa native, and the 24-year old has become a hometown favorite for Senators fans. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft after playing in the QMJHL. After being drafted, he played one more season for his team in Gatineau before playing in the AHL for three seasons, tallying 38 goals and 94 points in 142 games. Pageau was called up for good during the 2014-15 season, and in the two seasons since has played in all 164 games.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau Re-Signs with Ottawa Senators
Pageau has had productive showings the past two years, especially considering his youth and placement on a lower line. He has had back-to-back seasons with at least 30 points and 20 assists. In 2015-16, he broke out for 19 goals and 43 points. Pageau is becoming a solid offensive contributor for an Ottawa team that needs more production from its depth forwards. His offensive ability was seen during this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs where he scored four goals in a game against the New York Rangers, and eight overall in 19 postseason games. Although he is not regarded as a notable scoring threat, he has the ability to do so. His true skill is in his two-way play and exceptional penalty killing ability, lining up against opposing top lines constantly.
Pageau will look to continue his development with the Senators with his new contract. He is a young talent and has already made strides in his career. His new contract is the third of his NHL tenure. His first was his three year, $1.8 million entry level deal. That contract was followed by a two year, $1.8 million contract given to him before the start of the 2015-2016 season. Pageau seems to be part of the plan moving forward for a Senators team that surpassed all expectations this season by making it to the Eastern Conference Final.
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