NHL Rumors: Daniel Briere Could Soon Be Heading To Europe


Timothy T. Ludwig-US PRESSWIRE

Another Philadelphia Flyers‘ forward could be heading to Europe during the NHL Lockout. This time it is Daniel Briere. According to Flyers’ insider, Tim Panaccio, Briere, told CSNPhilly.com late Wednesday night that he has ‘a few options’ now in Europe and might be announcing his choice on Thursday.

Briere is coming off of his worst season, in which he has played at least 70 games, since being acquired by the Flyers (played 29 games due to injury in 2008-2009). Briere recorded 49 points in 70 games in 2011-2012 but broke out during the playoffs to record 13 points in 11 games.

Briere did play in Europe during the 2004-2005 NHL Lockout. Briere played for SC Bern in the Swiss League. In 36 games, Briere recorded 45 points. Briere also played along side other NHL players such as Dany Heatley, Marc Savard, and Henrik Tallinder.

SC Bern, for ten straight seasons, has been the team with the most attendance in the arena. Most recently, SC Bern faced off against the New York Rangers on September 30, 2008 as part of a celebration of 100 years of hockey in Switzerland.

If Briere does indeed head to Europe to play during the lockout, then he will be the sixth Flyer overseas. Briere would join teammates Ilya Bryzgalov, Jakub Voracek, Ruslan Fedotenko, Matt Read and Wayne Simmonds as the marquee Flyers’ names getting work in during the lockout.

With the likeliness of all October NHL games being cancelled, more and more players will begin to head overseas or look to play somewhere to get their reps in. Look for more NHL players to make decisions once the news of the extended lockout period is announced.

David A. Cattai is the Featured Writer for the Philadelphia Flyers with Rant Sports & Featured Beat Writer covering the Philadelphia Phillies for Buzz On Broad.

Follow me on Twitter @DCattaiSports for all Flyers, Phillies, NHL, and MLB sports updates.