A former NHL prospect, who was drafted 36th overall, has been sentenced to time in prison in a case that involves some disturbing details. More jail time may be on the way.
Gabriel Gagne, drafted in the second round by the Ottawa Senators in 2015, has been sentenced to six months in prison after pleading guilty in May to harassment and making threats to an ex-girlfriend.
Court documents show Gagne called and texted the unnamed ex incessantly during the summer of 2017. He created several fake social media accounts in an attempt to get around her blocking him. Court heard in some messages Gagne told his ex he loved her, while in others he stated he hated her. In one case, Gagne sent a message stating "Ma ten caliser [sic] une." This is Quebec French slang for "I'm going to kick the s--t out of you." Gagne, who is now 26, told the court he was having major problems with alcohol at the time.
While already sentenced to six months, Gagne is awaiting trial in three other cases in Quebec that involve sexual assault. In two of those cases, the alleged victims were minors. Gagne is also facing charges of assault with a weapon, harassment and assault of a young woman in these alleged incidents.
Gagne, a native of Laval, played in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League before being drafted by Ottawa. He did sign an entry-level contract with the Sens, but never made it to the NHL. Gagne played in the AHL and ECHL from 2016 to 2021. His last pro team was the AHL's Rockford IceHogs in 2020-21. According to TVA Sports, he did have an agreement in place with a team in Norway, but was dropped after he was arrested in 2021.
