Gagne's 9 goals are tops on the team at the moment and more than he tallied all last season split between the AHL and ECHL in 60 total contests. His struggles to adjust to the professional game in 2016-17, as well as shuttling between Binghamton and Wichita, weren't wasted though as the young forward continued his development in other ways.
"Last year was maybe a transition year for me. I didn't play a lot last season but I learned a lot," Gagne recalled. "Guys like Mike Blunden, who's a real pro and does everything right, helped me a lot and taught me things both on and off the ice."
It's been Gagne's dedication to the weight room that seems to be paying the biggest dividends as the towering 6'5" right winger continues to fill out his massive frame.
"It helps to be in better shape and I spend a lot of time working with Jeremy Benoit in the gym this year," the 21-year-old said of his commitment to getting stronger. "I want to be an everyday player for this team and to do that I need to keep improving in all parts of my game."
The development of Gagne's game hasn't gone unnoticed by the coaching staff this season either.
"He's probably our most improved, young player and he's come a long way," shared Belleville head coach Kurt Kleinendorst. "He's light years ahead of where he was last year."
