What Do The Ottawa Senators Do Next? Move Forward, Of Course – A Six Pack Of Targets
Apr 4, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers forward Simon Gagne (12) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Philadelphia defeated Toronto 5-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Gagne is four years removed from being a star player, where he averaged nearly a point per game in 2008-09 with the Flyers. Since then, injuries have derailed what was a great career, and he hasn’t played a full season since. He got into 38 games this past season, split between the Kings and Flyers. He has an Olympic Gold Medal and a Stanley Cup ring, and if the Senators could get some solid playing time out of him he could have a resurgence. His top end upside would be worth the risk on a short term contract, and would be a similar gamble to what they took on with Latendresse last year.
Dannyl Briere
Apr 25, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center
Danny Briere(48) and left wing Simon Gagne (12) celebrates a goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Gatineau native might have some personal reasons to want to play with the Senators. His injury problems are not as severe as Gagne’s, and Briere is a proven playoff performer who steps up in big games. He has over a point per game over his career in the post-season. He was bought out by the Flyers and will be 36 right near the opening of the 2013-14 season.