Jean-Gabriel Pageau (C/RW, 5’9, DOB 1992, 4-96/11)
2009-2010 QMJHL Gatineau 62-16-15-31 +4 20pim (ppg 0.50) 7th pts
2010-11 QMHL Gatineau 67-32-47-79 +23 22pim (ppg 1.17) 1st
2011-12 QMJHL Gat/Chicoutimi 46-32-33-65 Even 25pim (ppg 1.41) 3rd
Ottawa’s second undersized forward of the draft (after Shane Prince), Pageau was not ranked by Central Scouting, although every other scouting agency had him listed (#102 by ISS for example). Pierre Dorion is a huge fan of Pageau‘s, who was the dominating leader for Gatineau before a trade to Chicoutimi saw a drop in his production. Because he’s very responsible defensively, it may seem less incumbent on Pageau to score at the next level, but there aren’t many undersized checking centers. Pageau talked about his motivation after being drafted, “You saw a lot of players (drafted) before me, good players, too, but I know I can play with them. I know there’s a lot of good players in the first round, second round, third round, but I know I can play with them. So I’m not stressed about it.” And “I think there’s good examples in the NHL [of smaller guys]. There’s small players with every team, and I believe and I hope that I’m going to be the next one. I don’t get affected [by] people always saying you’re too small [and] not strong enough – I work hard to get stronger so I’m not afraid of that“. There’s little reason to doubt that he will be signed, although another year of junior hockey is a possibility. The Hockey News said, “Hardworking and very talented, size is an obvious handicap”, while Red Line Report said “Another midget with 2nd round skills, but no size.” Here’s Pageau in a rare fight and here he is scoring a goal.
eyeonthesens 