There are a couple of interesting notes coming out of Ottawa on Thursday. First, despite the long-standing speculation that Jean-Gabriel Pageau might be a player worth watching during the countdown to the NHL Trade Deadline, things have potentially shifted directions.
The Senators have moved a couple of pieces and pulled pending unrestricted free agent Vladimir Namestnikov from their lineup for tonight’s game against the visiting Winnipeg Jets amidst swirling trade rumors, yet Pageau stays in. That could be because a deal is not close to being done.
It could also be because the Senators and Pageau’s reps have finally started talking about an extension.
Pierre LeBrun of TSN notes that finally there are talks to report on the Pageau front and numbers going back and forth between the two sides. LeBrun said it’s not as if a deal or extension is imminent, but the Senators will keep working at it, while taking calls on the trade front should nothing come to fruition.
LeBrun notes that the Philadelphia Flyers are watching this situation closely. They have a hole where Pageau would fit, but won’t trade a first-round pick if that’s the ask.
LeBrun also noted that there is a chance Ottawa tries to keep signing Pageau all the way up to June 30th should they not find a trade that they like and can’t get a deal done over the next three to four days.
One team that is likely out of the Pageau sweepstakes are the Edmonton Oilres. They all but confirmed on Thursday that, while Holland will try to add, it won’t be anything flashy. The ask was probably too high and the Oilers have moved on to other targets.
More on Namestnikov
Darren Dreger reports the Senators are working some asset management on Thursday with a trade looming for the forward. Dreger says the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche and Columbus Blue Jackets as the teams he’s heard are circling.
Related: Are Maple Leafs Considering Tyson Barrie Trade?
