Doug Christiansen is confident that coaxing Paul Deniset out of retirement isn’t a gamble for the Belfast Giants.

Instead the Giants coach believes that his new recruit’s knowledge of the Elite League will be key in his team’s quest to become champions for the first time in six years.

Deniset was the Giants’ top goalscorer and Player of the Year during the 2008-09 season when Steve Thornton’s team won the Challenge Cup and Knockout Cup competitions and now he’s back to win the league.

“The one real benefit of bringing in a player who is familiar with our league is that he understands that winning the regular season is the most important thing,” said Christiansen.

“Paul Deniset is the kind of quality player that I was looking for. He is an impact player and a first line centre.”

By the time Christiansen came to Belfast 30-year-old Deniset had moved on to Denmark, but he is well aware of his new player’s capabilities.

“I saw Paul Deniset when I was coach of Edinburgh and I remember him as a dominant offensive player,” said Christiansen.

Christiansen is still in discussions with a second player, but he will switch targets if there is no positive answer within the next 48 hours.

Deniset will arrive in Belfast in time for the double-header with Coventry Blaze on Friday and Saturday night.