The 20-year-old Gagne has become a young superstar in his second season with Philadelphia, a team that has taken to the ice many times in 2000-01 without injured players such as John LeClair, Keith Primeau, Mark Recchi, and of course, Eric Lindros. Philadelphia also had goaltending issues earlier and changed coaches in November.

Still, the Flyers went into the All-Star break only one point off their division lead, and two off first place in the Conference. Much of the reason is Gagne, the club's first-round draft pick in 1998.

Flyers center Simon Gagne (right) talks with Ray Bourque during his first All-Star Game.(AP)

Playing left wing instead of his natural center position, Gagne has filled several voids, and leads the team in goals, points, plus-minus and game-winning goals.

When Gagne scored twice in his All-Star debut last Sunday, his linemate for the day felt compelled to tell the world what his teammates already knew.

"He's going to be a star in this league for many years to come," said Mario Lemieux.

No one in the Flyers organization would argue, especially since the native of Ste. Foy, Quebec has been so consistent at the NHL level.

In his first season last year, Gagne scored 20 goals and 28 assists, becoming a finalist in the Calder Trophy voting and a member of the All-Rookie team. This season, he has already surpassed his goals total, and aside from being named an All-Star, is being talked about seriously as a potential member of Canada's team at next year's Olympics.

Gagne tries to keep it all in perspective.

"A lot of guys have had to step up because of the injuries and do more," the soft-spoken Gagne told SportsLine.com. "But I've also started to be a little more selfish on the ice. I don't mean that in a bad way. I'm still a guy who is a playmaker, but you have to think about shooting more and that's what I'm doing."

Gagne, who spoke little English when he arrived in Philadelphia, admitted that he feels more assured by having one season under his belt.

"My confidence is pretty big now," Gagne said. "I feel more comfortable on the ice and I'm not scared to shoot the puck a little more. I'm more comfortable with the guys on and off the ice. It makes a big difference."

So does more size. Gagne spent a lot of time last summer in the weight room, adding some 10 pounds to bring his six-foot-one frame to 190 pounds. The extra strength has been apparent several times this season, helping him hold his ground against defenseman to score several goals from the red zone.

His other goals have been more typical, often the result of dazzling displays of speed, deceptive stickhandling, and a quick, hard shot.

"Some of the plays he's made are unbelievable," Flyers right wing Rick Tocchet said. "He just seems to explode some times and make things happen. You don't get the kind of talent he has every day."

Many teams, however, had the chance. Gagne was chosen 22nd overall.

"A lot of teams said if you're still there, we're going to take you," Gagne said. "It was a long day, and I was pretty nervous. But the big thing for me was just getting drafted. That was my goal and being in the first round was pretty special."

What was special was the player Flyers GM Bob Clarke said he was able to choose.

Gagne played another season in junior and scored 50 goals after being drafted, and last year made the Flyers as a 19-year-old. With Lindros and LeClair in the lineup, his ice time was limited at first - there was even consideration given to releasing to Canada's junior team for the World Championships - but when Gagne got his chance, he made it count.

"He didn't play much until after Christmas, then we couldn't get him out of the lineup, Clarke said. "Simon has top hockey brains and sense. "He's going to get better and better."