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NHL Trade Rumors: Penguins interested in Jean-Gabriel Pageau

By Dave Stevenson

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 10: Jean-Gabriel Pageau #44 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at the Air Canada Centre on January 10, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 10: Jean-Gabriel Pageau #44 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at the Air Canada Centre on January 10, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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According to the latest NHL Trade Rumors, the Pittsburgh Penguins are expressing interest in Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau

Ever since the Pittsburgh Penguins lost center Nick Bonino in free agency to the Nashville Predators, they’ve been looking for a third-line center. They were hoping one of their internal options could, but none of them impressed. Pittsburgh traded for Riley Sheahan, but he hasn’t been the answer. So they are still looking for a center. One of the centers they’re interested in, according to the latest NHL trade rumors, is Jean-Gabriel Pageau of the Ottawa Senators.

Here’s what Elliotte Friedman had to say on the subject. The discussion starts around 4:31.

"“One of the teams that is looking hard at Pageau is Pittsburgh. And I would think that would make a lot of sense he would make a great fit there.”"

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The Senators are certainly looking to sell. And Pageau should be one of their top targets to trade. He has 15 points through 42 games in a more defensive role. Despite starting just 42.82 percent of his face-offs in the offensive zone, Pageau has a plus-minus of just negative seven.

His skillset would be a nice fit in Pittsburgh. Pageau is an above-average skater who has been a fairly consistent producer despite not having the most optimal linemates. Most importantly, he’s also on a reasonable deal. After this season, Pageau is signed for two additional years with a cap hit of $3.1 million. Given the rising salary cap, that’s roughly market value for a guy like him.

However, Ottawa should be in no rush to trade Pageau. The Penguins (or any team that wants him) would likely have to blow the Senators out of the water in order to get him. And does Pittsburgh have what it takes to get it done? Would they be willing to part with, say, Daniel Sprong to get Pageau?

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Pittsburgh’s search for a third-line center has been a season-long quest. Pageau is likely the best of the candidates they’ve seriously considered. But is the price right?

For updated NHL Trade Rumors, check out our Rumors page!

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