 The Senators continued to inquire over the following years, though it was not until 1913 that Gerard began to seriously consider turning professional.In November 1913 he was offered C$1,000 () for the season by the Montreal Canadiens (a high salary for the era), but turned it down.The Senators also made an offer of $1,500 () for two seasons, which would have made Gerard one of the highest paid players in hockey.