AYLMER, QUE. — In advance of the opening of training camp Sept. 12, the Ottawa Senators are conducting a Hometown Tour with stops at various Canadian Tire store locations across the National Capital Region.

The Tour allows fans to meet players and participate in interactive games.

Sporting News caught up with Senators centre Jean-Gabriel Pageau during the team’s stop in Aylmer, Que.

(Editor’s note: The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.)

#44 was on hand at @Sensplex today for Week 5 of #SensHockeyCamps19! pic.twitter.com/wxztv4Up4Z — Ottawa Senators (@Senators) July 31, 2019

Sporting News: One year ago, you suffered an Achilles’ tear on the first day of Senators training camp, how did you mentally and physically prepare for this season’s camp?

Jean-Gabriel Pageau: I’m in top shape right now. It’s like night and day from last season. I’m feeling faster, quicker, stronger. I’ve been working out all summer.

After the season, I was thinking about going to the world championship, but at the end of the day, I didn’t get an invite. I think that was kind of good when I look back at it. It gave me the time to get back into the gym right away. I only took a week and a half off, usually I take a month off. So, I was right back in the gym.

My energy level was good. I only played half the season. I feel good. I worked hard all summer, took only three days off for a fishing trip and three days in Chicago – that’s it.

I enjoyed the summer. I assisted with various charities around town, played golf tournaments, took in events. These are things I like to do around the city.

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SN: What are your first impressions of new head coach D.J. Smith?

JGP: We spoke on the phone briefly. I met him once in-person, that was it. I guess we’ll get to know him more in the next few weeks. He seems like someone who is very personable, someone who really cares about his new team. Sounds like he really knows where he’s going. It brings me a lot of confidence, for sure.

SN: How different will it be for you personally, with several key teammates moving on?

JGP: You have to see it as a fresh start, right? It’s always sad when see friends leaving to go to another team but on the other side, there new players coming. From what I‘ve heard their good people too. I’ve met a few already. And I can tell why I’ve only heard good things about them. We’re really happy to have them, have a new start, a new coaching staff.

It’s a fresh start after two hard seasons for us. It’s going to be fun to start all over again.

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SN: What are your thoughts on the competition for centre ice spots this season?

JGP: It’s good. I think when there’s competition between players for a spot it brings the best of out of you. And that’s the way I’m going to take it.

SN: You’re heading into the final year of your contract. Have you thought about what may happen down the road?

JGP: I’m an Ottawa Senator. This is where my career started. This is the team that showed confidence in me. I’m happy here. I love representing the Senators. Every time I wear the logo, I take pride.

Ottawa is close to people I love, my wife, my family, my friends. I’ve got to meet so many people through the years. Like I said I’m happy here. My main focus isn’t about the contract. It’s really about the team — how we’re going to approach and start this year the right way.