Gagne’s Emergence as an Elite NHL Player
Simon Gagne came to the Flyers as the 22nd pick of the 1st round back in 1998. He suited up for the Flyers for the 1999-2000 season. Gagne was always a young and exciting player that provided a spark for the Flyers. He posted 20 goals in his rookie season and has had 20+ goals every season except for the 2002 season. He only played in 46 games in 2002 and only managed to score 9 goals. As far as points go, Gagne made solid contributions to the team with points ranging from 45-66 (excluding 2002). Even though Gagne was a solid player for the Flyers, he had yet to become one of NHL’s elite players.
Enter Peter Forsberg.
With the arrival of one of the world’s best hockey players, Gagne transitioned into one of NHL’s best. Gagne was in the 2nd tier of NHL players in my opinion till Forsberg became his linemate. Forsberg makes his peers better on the ice, and Gagne is Exhibit A. Forsberg’s amazing passing skills have allowed Gagne to find the net easier and easier.
Additionally, Gagne is now centered by a player who thinks pass first whereas he was centered by Roenick who isn’t afraid of shooting the puck. That’s not a shot at JR at all, I’m just remarking how Gagne now shoots more with a passing center. His shot total went from 211 in 2003 to 310 in 2005. With such a major increase in shots, one would think that Gagne’s shot percentage to goals has decreased but that’s not the case. His percentage has risen from 11.4 to 14.3 which means that he is capitalizing on his opportunites and not just shooting the puck for the hell of it. Gagne’s goal production has skyrocketed from 24 to 44, which puts him tied for 6th in league in goals.
All and all, Gagne has always been very close to NHL’s best but he just needed a partner such as Forsberg all along. Then again, who wouldn’t be a much better player when you are playing alongside the likes of Forsberg. We can only hope Forsberg stays in Philly for a while and keeps the Gagne-Forsberg tandem alive.
- Kyle Garis
Share your thoughts on Simon Gagne
About this Post
Posted on April 11, 2006 by Kyle Garis | Filed Under Flyers, Philadelphia
|
Print This Article | Leave a Comment