Jean-Gabriel Pageau suited up for the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night.
But what the future holds for him in the organization remains anybody’s guess.
With the NHL trade deadline looming large Monday at 3 p.m., the Senators centre played against the Winnipeg Jets at the Canadian Tire Centre, and that’s significant at this time of year.
An unrestricted free agent on July 1, Senators general manager Pierre Dorion has engaged in contract talks with Pageau’s Toronto-based agents at Newport Sports this week. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Thursday night the two sides have exchanged numbers. He didn’t know if they were close, but the good news is talks have become serious.
The Senators started protecting their assets by scratching winger Vladislav Namestnikov with the Jets in town. It’s believed the club wasn’t going to go that route unless it’s close to making a trade. That means the 27-year-old, acquired in a deal from the New York Rangers in October, is likely on the verge of being dealt to a team looking for some depth down the stretch.
Last year, the Senators sat defenceman Cody Ceci before the deadline at the request of a team that was interested in acquiring him. That deal fell through, but you have to assume it was a similar scenario with Namestnikov, and that’s why the decision was made to sit him.
That meant winger Jayce Hawryluk, who was picked up on waivers by Ottawa from the Florida Panthers on Monday, made his debut with the club against the Jets.
The club’s pro scouting staff have arrived here and were huddled with Dorion on Thursday.
If the Senators take that action with Namestnikov, then there’s a possibility Ottawa could follow suit with Pageau if there’s no progress made in contract negotiations in the next 48 hours. Ottawa hosts the Montreal Canadiens to close out this homestand Saturday night, and if a team is close to making a trade with the Senators they may request he sit out the final game before the deadline.
As reported in the past, there won’t be any shortage of interest in Pageau.
OPTIONS ON THE TABLE
An alternate captain, Pageau went into Thursday’s visit by the Jets with 24 goals and 16 assists in 58 games this season. It’s believed the New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers are among the teams looking for help up front.
Yes, the Senators would like to get a first-round pick in exchange, but understand that may be difficult in the current marketplace.
If the Senators can’t get Pageau signed to an extension, they may decide to keep him as an unsigned potential UFA to see if they can get a deal done down the road. Dorion stated last month the club has lots of prospects and draft picks, so any trade made has to be the right fit for the organization.
That scenario comes into play if the offers aren’t where they need to be and that’s what Dorion will be weighing in the next couple of days if contract talks get to a stalemate. The organization already has seven picks in the first three rounds of the NHL draft in June.
If Pageau does go to a contender, he’s a viewed as a player with a strong history of being a playoff performer and is going only help by adding depth.
OFF THE GLASS
With nine unrestricted free agents left in the room after defenceman Dylan DeMelo was dealt to the Jets, the players are trying not to let it become a distraction. “You prepare yourself for it. We know what situation we’re in this year and we know it’s the same as last year where you get ready for moves that need to be made to make the team better next year,” said centre Chris Tierney, an RFA. “Guys are prepared, but it doesn’t make it any easier. There’s some chatter, but not much. We’re just focused on playing hockey.” … Smith coached Hawryluk at the Ivan Hlinka tournament in junior. “I thought he played really well in Florida last year,” said Smith. “When he played against us in Toronto last year, he finished every check and he finished checks on the high-end players. He was a presence out there. This year, it certainly hasn’t gone his way. He got hurt, but we look for him to provide some energy and play with emotion every night.”
THE LAST WORDS
The Senators waived defenceman Cody Goloubef at noon Thursday and if he clears he’ll be eligible to be sent to the club’s AHL affiliate in Belleville. That doesn’t mean it’s going to happen and it may just be a paper move to create a roster spot in case the Senators do make a deal for a blueliner in the next couple of days. They’re a little thin in that area and they want to keep their young players — Erik Brannstrom and Christian Wolanin — in Belleville to be part of a long playoff run. It’s normal for teams to use waivers for this purpose at this time of year because there are none after the deadline. … Winger Mikkel Boedker was a healthy scratch as well Thursday. That’s been the case most of the season.
Twitter: @sungarrioch
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