Observations:

April 2015 – The diminutive forward was called up 30 games into Ottawa’s 2014-2015 to replace the void the Curtis Lazar left during his stint with Team Canada at the WJC.  Pageau has proven to be consistent producer on the AHL level in his 142 games in Binghamton, but his production has not yet carried over to the NHL level.  In 81 career NHL games across three seasons, he has only recorded 22 points but has been on a recent hot streak as eight of those points have come in his last 12 games.  J-G likely slots into a role where he will be counted on to provide energy, secondary scoring, a physical edge and win face-offs. With 138 hits in only 44 games, Pageau ranks third among Senators forwards even though he has played far less games. Parlayed over a full 82 game season, his hits numbers would be first on the team and top ten in the league. Most of his minutes will come at even strength or on the penalty kill. With the Senators firepower upfront, Pageau has been used sparingly on the power play.  He has shown ability in the past to play both center and wing, and that versatility will be important if he is to stick at the NHL level.  Kevin LeBlanc

September 2014 – Pageau has had a strong start to the 2014-2015 pre-season. The knock on Pageau has never been his speed or his hands, it’s been with his consistency and ability to bring his A-game every night. Although he likely won’t start the year in Ottawa, Pageau is still in the organizations’ good books and will be one of the first to be called to action when he is needed. He kills penalties, is strong in the face off dot and can get the odd second powerplay shift. Not to mention he seems to be a favourite of Paul Maclean. Some may remember in game one of the 2013-2014 season Pageau took a defensive zone face off with less than a minute left in a 1-0 game. He’ll certainly see action in Ottawa this season. Nathan Martin

May 2014 – JG Pageau and company were eliminated in the first round of the AHL playoffs by the Wilkes-Barrie Penguins. Pageau hit the back of the net once in the brief four-game series and was a minus-three.  Pageau did, however, lead the team in shots over four games with 11.  It’s probably not fair to judge Pageau’s short playoff performance with relation to his capabilities at the NHL level, as it seems that the team as a whole underperformed.  Pageau will need a strong summer and a solid training camp to crack the big club next year, especially with Stephane Da Costa playing so well as of late.  At this point it seems the organization is higher on Pageau than Da Costa. But as Ottawa showed last year by demoting first-round pick Mika Zibanejad after a bad training camp, they want their players to earn their spots.  Regardless, Pageau will see time in the NHL this season one way or another, and if Spezza is on his way out there’s a good chance he stays the whole year. Nathan Kanter

April 2014 – JG Pageau was recalled by the Ottawa Senators to replace the injured Jason Spezza. In his first game with the big club since the beginning of the season Pageau saw time with Erik Condra and Matt Kassian. If these are the linemates Pageau is going to skate with he’s not going to put up points. Although Condra and Pageau are excellent penalty killers and play a puck-possession style of game, they also see limited minutes at even strength and play without a proven goal scorer. Pageau has had a strong year in the AHL and certainly has a valued spot within the franchise.  Unfortunately with Spezza, Turris, Zibanejad and Smith down the middle, as well as budding prospect Curtis Lazar pushing for a roster spot next season, Pageau will most likely be the victim of a log jam down the center for the next year or so. Nathan Martin

January 2013 – JG Pageau continues his stint with the Ottawa Senators, however has found himself on the outside looking in due to the stellar play of fellow teammate Mark Stone.  When Pageau is given the opportunity to play and more specifically, when he’s given line mates that compliment to his skill set, he is an effective player. He’s still one of the fastest players on the team and can drive the outside on the forecheck with ease. Unfortunately, Pageau will most likely fall victim to the numbers game when Chris Neil returns from injury. Nathan Martin

October 2013 – It should be no surprise to Sens fans that JG Pageau was on Ottawa’s opening day roster this year. His six points in 10 playoff games for the Sens last year (four goals and two assists), including a hat trick against Carey Price, turned heads around the league. Now the Hull native will get a shot at a full season with the big club. Unfortunately for Pageau his line mates so far have been slowing him down, often being paired up with Sens’ bruiser Matt Kassian. With Ottawa’s top six forwards pretty much set in stone, it will be tough for Pageau to hit his potential offensively this year. Nathan Martin

May 2013 – When injuries forced the Senators to go to Binghamton again, coach Luke Richardson recommended Pageau, who had been the Baby Sens' best player of late. With the big club, he tallied four points and was plus-3 in nine games. In the postseason, after going pointless in two games, Pageau picked up his first career hat trick, and it was nationally televised. He's certainly on everybody's radar now. – Dobber

March 2013 – Pageau has been told he is too small or not good enough, but no matter where he goes he proves them wrong. His competitiveness and instincts have allowed him to succeed despite his smallish stature. In his final season in the QMHJL he finished with 32 goals and 33 assists in only 46 regular season games, before getting another 14 points in 16 playoff games. Pageau's outstanding all-around play, has helped experience success with the Binghamton where he has scored 27 points, including seven goals in his first 60 games at the professional level. With smaller players like Martin St. Louis, Claude Giroux, and Brian Gionta succeeding at the NHL, there is the precedent for a player like Pageau to make the jump to the NHL. Alain Dube

July 2012 – Pageau signed a three-year entry level contract with Ottawa back in June. He might play next season in the AHL but is eligible to be returned to his junior team. – Eric Daoust

April, 2012: Injuries limited Pageau to only 46 games this year but he still posted a respectable 65 points. After an outstanding season and playoffs for Gatineau last year, the third year winger was dealt to the Chicoutimi Sangueneens earlier this year. He may be small in stature but Pageau is a big game player who competes hard at both ends of the rink. He is a consistent scoring threat and excels on the power play and penalty kill. – Derek Leblanc

Fantasy Outlook: B-

Pageau has developed much more of a physical game this season putting up elite hit numbers, which helps him in multi-category formats.  He has secondary scoring ability and will likely be a third line center or depth winger at the NHL level. 

Footage:

Jean Gabriel Pageau Compilation:

{youtube}de6Zua4XiMA{/youtube}

Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.