Why would Anaheim want to spend 3 picks, one of which is basically a 1st, on a center we don't need?

No universe in which we give you the 33rd overall pick in this year's draft for Pageau, let alone significantly more. With Zegras and McTavish in the middle, plus one more season of a still-effective Adam Henrique, Pageau isn't even someone we need.

And with one of Bedard/Fantilli/Carlsson it will stay a position we do not need!

I threw this trade out as a salary dump to make my roster, but your club definitely needs a guy like Pageau. Your centers all suck at faceoffs and that's especially troublesome in your own end. Your penalty kill is horrendous and you don't want to waste your top centers killing penalties.
Pageau excels at both and he's a great team guy. He brings experience, term, he won't break your CAP, and he'd be an excellent mentor for all the young guys on your squad.

As to the trade value... who knows?
🤷‍♂️ Rumors were the offer at the deadline was a late first round and a second or a good a prospect.

Having given away your own 2023 first, if your GM was offered a late first and a second for Pageau and his impending $5 million cap hit and turned it down, he should be shot.