A homecoming in his native province of Quebec proved to be a bust in 2013-14 for the 36-year-old Briere, as he totaled just 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 69 games with the Canadiens. Constantly a target of criticism -- due mostly to his rapidly declining offensive numbers and absurd $6.5 million cap hit -- Briere will get another opportunity for a fresh start after being dealt in the offseason to the Avalanche for P.A. Parenteau and a fifth-round pick. Unfortunately, it will be tough for Briere to crack the Avs’ highly-potent top-six forward group that features stud youngsters such as Matt Duchene, Nathan MacKinnon, Ryan O’Reilly and Gabriel Landeskog. But he should be able to provide some veteran leadership and the occasional flash of offense on the team’s third or fourth line and second power-play unit. Also, his 116 points in 124 career playoff games likely were a topic of discussion for the Avs brass, as their team is built for a competitive postseason run that would (hopefully) feature Briere as an X-factor.
Briere endured a sub-par season that resulted in the Flyers using one of their compliance buyouts on him. A wrist injury suffered while playing in Germany during the lockout and a concussion cost him some games and he finished with just 16 points and was minus-13 in 34 games. There are red flags. He'll be 36 when the 2013-14 season kicks off and is coming off injuries, but he's certainly motivated coming home to Quebec after a few seasons where his production dropped off. He could add some offensive threat to the bottom lines to help balance the team, but he won't be a leading sniper in the Montreal lineup.
Briere is coming off of a solid postseason in which he tallied 13 points in 11 games, which isn't a surprise considering his penchant for performing well in the playoffs. His regular season, however, was not as impressive, as Briere posted a three-year low 49 points in 70 contests With a solid offensive core in Philly expect a bounce-back year for Briere.
In 2010-11, Briere had his best season since his first tour with Philadelphia four years ago, racking up 68 points on 34 goals and assists apiece while playing in 77 games. His 87 PIMs were the second highest of his career, and he posted his first positive rating (plus-20) since his monster (and final) season with Buffalo in 2006-07. Turning 34 in October, Briere might not be able to improve on those numbers, but he's shown there is still enough in the tank to be more than serviceable as a first-line forward.
Briere's lackluster play has drawn the ire of Flyers fans after the organization handed him a big-time contract after the 2007 season, but his 30-point performance during this past season's playoffs showed just how productive he can be. Briere will turn 33 years old and won't likely ever return to the 95-point stratosphere, but he's certainly a fantasy asset. He's shown that he can step up in big stops, but look for him to defer a bit to the number of talented youngsters on the Philly roster during the 82-game grind.
Two seasons into an eight-year, $52-million deal that he signed with the Flyers after a 95-point campaign in Buffalo, Briere has struggled to stay healthy and drawn the ire of Philly fans with a combined minus-23 over 108 games. During that span, he's actually been fairly productive at the offensive end with 97 points (42 G, 55 A), but it hasn't been enough to meet the lofty expectations set forth by his superstar salary. A return to form preceded by improved health isn't out of the question, but unless he's rightfully discounted on draft day for being hampered by a groin injury and playing in just 29 games last season, there's too much risk here to gamble on him with an early-round pick.
Briere has been a fairly consistent 30-goal scorer in his career and this year should be more of the same. His plus/minus of -22 last year is a bit troubling, but he makes up for that with his power-play production where he registered 37 points, ranking fifth overall in the league. If Simon Gagne is able to return to form and stay healthy, Briere would certainly benefit - either by skating on the same line or by the fact that there would be more talent to go around on the Philadelphia roster.
Briere became the Flyers' big free-agent signing this off season. He's elevated his game to the 90-point level. Now the Flyers have a No. 1 guy who will score goals and be creative on the power play. He's definitley a top 20 fantasy pick.
Briere is Buffalo’s best player and emotional leader. His heart’s bigger than his smallish, 5-10 frame would indicate and he skates as hard as anyone in the game, meaning the new NHL is perfectly suited for him. Don’t get too worried by all the missed time in 2005-06 (Briere had sports hernia surgery, which caused him to miss 34 games), as he only missed four games combined in the three seasons prior. Briere’s a point-a-game player in the new era, and he’s chippy enough to pitch in with an occasional penalty minute or two. The only negative seems to be Dumont’s departure, but the Sabres have plenty of up-and-coming types for that open first line spot. You may be able to get Briere a little cheaper than usual, if folks are buying him based on last season’s shortened campaign. Take note of his 58 points in 48 games.
Briere looks like he's found a home in Buffalo, putting up a career high 65 points in 2003-04 in his first full season there, up seven from the previous campaign. Normally we shy away from Buffalo forwards, but Briere is one of the few who gets enough first or second unit ice time -- as well as power play time -- to make 60-70 points seems like it's going to be the norm. He's also a durable player for a little guy, having played in every game the last two seasons. The new rules could help him more than others.
Briere looks like he's found a home in Buffalo, putting up a career high 65 points in 2003-04 in his first full season there, up seven from the previous campaign. Normally we shy away from Buffalo forwards, but Briere is one of the few who gets enough first or second unit ice time -- as well as power play time -- to make 60-70 points seems like it's going to be the norm. He's also a durable player for a little guy, having played in every game the last two seasons.
