Ottawa Senators Utilizing the Skill of Jean-Gabriel Pageau
The Ottawa Senators have a promising young center in Jean-Gabriel Pageau. With the acquisition of Derick Brassard and the return of Kyle Turris from injury, Pageau will likely settle into the role of a 3rd line center, which is absolutely perfect for him given his unique skill set.
He’s undersized at just 5’9’’ and 172 LBS, but he makes up for it with gritty resolve. He’s an asset on the penalty killing unit, leading the NHL in shorthanded goals last season with 7.
Only 8 out of the 30 teams in the NHL had more shorthanded goals as an entire squad than what Pageau accumulated just by himself.
Of course, that remarkable production comes within the context of the Senators having the 2nd worst penalty killing percentage as a team last season. The unit will have to fortify itself, and the addition of Chris Kelly will help matters.
Before last season, Pageau was viewed mainly as a defensive oriented forward, but he put up career highs with 19 goals, 24 assists, and 43 points. The Senators are curious to see whether he can build on that progress.
His talent on both ends of the ice was evidenced by leading the Senators in +/- with a +17. Among players with at least 100 shots on goal, only Zack Smith and Mark Stone had a higher shooting percentage than Pageau.
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Pageau also lead all forwards on the Senators in Defensive Point Shares with 1.9, along with registering the most blocked shots for any Senators forward.
Always known for throwing his weight around despite his small stature, Pageau ranked 4th on the team in hits last season with 166. His hits per game rate was down from his bruising 2014-2015 total of 158 hits in just 50 games, but it was still refreshing physicality from a guy who isn’t blessed with the gigantic frame that’s more conducive to that style.
Pagueau is also the best face-off option the Senators have on their roster. Among players who took at least 300 face-offs last season, he lead the team with a 52.2% of face-off wins at even strength.
Each season he has played at least 25 games at the NHL level, his face-off percentage has improved, which is an encouraging sign going forward.
Among players on the Senators who attempted at least 60 shots last season, no player got a higher percentage of those shots on net than Pageau. He’s a hard worker on offense, and good things tend to happen when he’s out on the ice.
Pageau is quietly one of this team’s most important players, displaying impact on both ends of the ice. The Senators are hoping that he can continue improving.
He’s a restricted free agent next offseason, and perhaps the departure of Mika Zibanejad gives the Senators the economic flexibility to sign Pageau long term.
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He’s an energetic defensive forward who provides spark while on the ice, and players like that are essential for successful NHL teams.