Tyler Ennis
This is not a big name, but he is a lot like Gagner. A grizzled, older veteran who has been around long enough to know every trick in the book. Tyler Ennis is another player who used to be a lot more prevalent than he is now. At this point in his career, he is someone that is best suited to sitting in the press box and coming into the lineup when you have suffered injuries.
Last season in 57 games with the Ottawa Senators, Ennis recorded 8 goals and 16 helpers for 24 points. Nothing shabby by any means, but as you have probably understood by now, he’s not someone that should be playing in the first line role. On the 4th line playing in games that are of the utmost importance, Ennis could be a good addition. However, there are more risks with Ennis than others.
Ennis has had a lot of injuries over the duration of his career and this most recent season is no different than the rest. I mentioned he only played in 57 games and that wasn’t because of a lack of skill. If Ennis could have stayed healthy earlier in his career, he would be a much wealthier person. He had the talent of an elite player and has just not been able to get back to what he was because of his injuries.
This does raise the question of what might happen if he was to find the fountain of youth in Raleigh, what could he be? But that’s not the question. Is Ennis someone the Canes should target? Well, in theory, yes. He’s a great addition to the team whether that is as a scratch or as a 4th liner. In either capacity, I believe this is a player that would work well in this system. It’s not ideal, but you won’t find anything ideal in the salary cap world.