Cross another item off Pierre Dorion’s To Do list.
The Ottawa Senators announced they have signed forward Jean Gabriel Pageau to a three year contract worth a total of $9.3 million.
Pageau, a restricted free agent, had filed for arbitration earlier in the off-season but he seemed clear that both sides wanted to get something done before then. In the end, they land on a deal that seems fair for both sides.
#Sens Pageau’s new three-year deal carries an AAV of $3.1M ($2.6M, $3.3M, $3.4M).
— Sens communications (@Media_Sens) July 17, 2017
For Pageau, it’s a well-earned raise over the $1.1 mil he earned last season.
While Pageau may not have had the most productive regular season (12 goals/33 points) he solidified his role on this team and his status as a fan favourite with another incredible playoff. Pageau racked up 8 goals and 10 points in Ottawa’s 19 post-season games and he was regularly used against other team’s top lines.
Throughout the negotiations, the Senators made it clear they were willing to go longer term with this contract but that anything beyond three years would be difficult as it would involve paying for UFA years. Three years gives JGP some security and allows the Senators to keep his salary and cap hit as low as possible.
Next up- Ryan Dzingel. His arbitration hearing is scheduled for this Friday.
Pageau’s comments on the deal can be found here. And Pierre Dorion here.
