Trade Target Number Three: F Jean-Gabriel Pageau
If Fletcher opts to go big and splurge at this year’s deadline, Jean-Gabriel Pageau would be an excellent fit in the City of Brotherly Love. The centerman has had a knack for scoring goals with the Senators this year and, as I mentioned in a previous slide, would be a welcomed presence on a Philadelphia team that likes to pass the puck.
Like Goodrow, Pageau is having one of his best seasons since entering the NHL during the 2012-13 campaign, posting 40 points in 60 games to lead all Ottawa players in scoring on the year. His 24 goal total also sits first among all Senators and would lead every Flyer by at least a three-goal margin if he were on the team. Pageau adds a decent set of defensive skills, too, with the ability to log significant minutes while shorthanded. I likely don’t need to tell you why adding a talented two-way skater like Pageau would benefit the Flyers as putting a near 25+ goal scorer
However, to get great talent, you have to depart with great talent, and I’m not sure Fletcher will want to meet the price that Pageau will potentially cost. Ottawa may wish to acquire a first-rounder and then some in return for the Canadian center, which might be a little too pricey for a 20+ game rental. The Flyers don’t have enough money to take on Pageau’s full contract, either, so they’d have to part a roster player or cough up more assets to get the Sens to eat some of his salary. Even with all of that, it could still be worth adding a player of Pageau’s ilk, as there aren’t a whole lot of players on the trading block that fits with this team better on paper.
Would you like to see any of the players mentioned above make their way to Philadelphia? If not, who would you rather have Fletcher obtain at the deadline? Be sure to comment below!