Kings News: Simon Gagne traded to Philly for a conditional 3rd/4th rounder

[MsMeow]

Sam Carchidi ‏@BroadStBull

Gagne said he did not ask for a trade, but he was contemplating doing that, "and it shows the class those guys have" to move him to #Flyers

So there you have it

 

[Ron*]

They would have let him walk at season's end which isn't far away.

End of June.

 

[jml87]

I was hoping for a 3rd, so a conditional 3rd isn't too bad. What did you honestly expect to get for an oft injured, soon to be UFA, who hasn't scored in a calendar year?

Yes but that means rooting for the Flyers to get into the playoffs and that's so hard cause I just want them to fail

 

[ScoreZeGoals]

Yes but that means rooting for the Flyers to get into the playoffs and that's so hard cause I just want them to fail

Meh, let them squeak in as the 8th seed before a quick first round exit

 

[YP44]

Yes but that means rooting for the Flyers to get into the playoffs and that's so hard cause I just want them to fail

Why..I usually find myself routing for them anyway. I still am a huge fan of Simmonds, and hope the best for B Schenn.
I am not a fan of Brz though.

 

[Live in the Now]

Yes but that means rooting for the Flyers to get into the playoffs and that's so hard cause I just want them to fail

I want them in. The playoffs will be more fun and there will be more fight filled games with them in.

They will get in too.

 

[Shellz]

Meh, let them squeak in as the 8th seed before a quick first round exit

This. They will make the playoffs and after that.. I will be rooting for them to to lose.

Simmonds isn't enough to make me root for the Flyers.

 

[jml87]

Why..I usually find myself routing for them anyway. I still am a huge fan of Simmonds, and hope the best for B Schenn.
I am not a fan of Brz though.

It's a long story, suffice to say, I don't like them and I never will until Ed Snider is gone. I'd root for them to get the eighth seed but after the Kings last year, that doesn't seem all that bad anymore.

 

[Rommel]

lisa dillman ‏@reallisa
Does not sound like there will be an immediate call up from Manchester.

lisa dillman ‏@reallisa
Lombardi talking about how this opens up a roster spot, etc.

 

[KingsFan7824]

I was surprised a player of Gagne's stature signed with the Kings in the first place. But he was coming off an injury in Tampa, and Richards and Williams were here, so it did make some sense when it happened.

He started out pretty well last year, playing with Kopitar. Then he stopped scoring with the rest of the team, got hurt, and wasn't physically part of the 2nd half run the Kings made, or the playoff run until Game 3. He got in the lineup, it seemed to focus the team a little, as they went on to win 4-0, the biggest margin of victory in that series outside of Game 6.

I was looking forward to a healthy Gagne this season. It just didn't work out. His name will always be linked to the Kings because of the Cup, so, that's not too bad.

 

[Herby]

Gagne truly is a pro's pro.

Things clearly never worked out here, but Gagne handled things the right way, unlike you know who. Never sulked, didn't demand a trade, didn't lie about it, always gave 100%, didn't stop trying.

Happy Simon got to win a championship here and happy he gets to end his career where he belongs. I think our young players will be for the better having had Simon Gagne as a teammate, even if it only was for a brief time.

Goodluck, Simon.

 

[ScoreZeGoals]

I want them in. The playoffs will be more fun and there will be more fight filled games with them in.

They will get in too.

I'm not so sure. They have already played more games than anyone else in the NHL (21) so they have dug themselves a nice little hole (only 19 points). If it takes about 53 points to get in the playoffs, they need 34 points in their last 27 games, or a 17-10 record. They are currently 9-11-1, that would be a pretty huge turnaround just to squeek in. Also, their defense continues to be atrocious

 

[sponfit]

Not too thrilled about this. He's healthy and, in my opinion, brings more to the table than Penner. Will trust Sutter's judgement though.

Agreed

 

[etherialone]

For some reason that deal took over a week to complete.

 

[Telos]

So the question is why? Why are professional coaches and management and a GM who loves Philly guys giving up on Gagne? One reason could be Gagne plays scared does not go to the scoring areas anymore and would rather stay to the outside and pass. He does not check, create space for teammates, or is strong along the boards. Nothing pisses of a coach more than a player who floats unless your scoring a bunch of goals. Penner is like a running game in football he wears opponents down. Just trying to deal with Penner for the 15 min he plays gets you tired were Gagne is an easy defend. Kings rely on big guys wearing the opponent down and Penner is better suited than Gagne.

Gagne for sure has better skill but for this team Penner fits better. Am I a Penner fan no not really but I know what the team wants from him. If he's not controlling the puck down low or causing havoc in the dirty areas he won't play either.

Just look at Lewis why does he play over Gagne? Lewis has hands of stone but he is an energy guy, checks, goes to the dirty areas, fore-checks like a madman and until recently put up zero points. But coaches know what this type of player brings to the game. Coaches hate 7-5 games they like 3-1 games and to many skilled guys that are easy to play.

As Herb Brooks said "I'm not looking for the best players, I'm looking for the right ones"

I don't disregard your logic. I use the same when discussing Hickey with Kingsfan. That the Kings value size above all else, and therefore they believe keeping Muzzin is more essential than keeping Hickey.

I just disagree in this sense at the forward position. I think we are overvaluing size all round. We are already one of the biggest teams in the league, and I don't think, in this case, we should be giving up production for size. Gagne is twice as productive as Penner, and it might be worth foregoing a little size for production here or there.

The "right" players are subjective, and distracting to our relative goal. We've all voiced similar opinions over the years looking for a goal scorer. Needing a little bit more skill over being a perfect Lombardian role player.

how many goals/points did he have in a Kings uniform? He wasnt very successful out here, im happier with Penner. Think a 4th is kinda low for him but if it turns into a 3rd that wouldnt be too bad.

Gagne = 45 GP 7G 22P +1
Penner = 94 GP 10G 26P -8

Gagne produces the same in nearly half the games. He is twice as productive.

 

[Tadite]

Good luck to Gagne. He's been playing noticeably better and hopefully his injuries are behind him enough to have some future success. Philly's a great spot for him.

DL with a open spot on the roster..... Cap room as well.....

 

[DryIslandBartender]

Gagne truly is a pro's pro.

Things clearly never worked out here, but Gagne handled things the right way, unlike you know who. Never sulked, didn't demand a trade, didn't lie about it, always gave 100%, didn't stop trying.

Happy Simon got to win a championship here and happy he gets to end his career where he belongs. I think our young players will be for the better having had Simon Gagne as a teammate, even if it only was for a brief time.

Goodluck, Simon.

This.

Exact opposite of you know who...

 

[alpa]

Aw man. I just got his autograph last weekend.

Don't ask for anymore autographs, I'm happy with the guys we have.

 

[Telos]

On the bright side, we now have nine picks again, in what seams to be a strong draft. If the Flyers miss the postseason, we will have three 4th round picks.

 

[Omni Owl]

Would have honestly rather have seen him play than King, who's been abysmal. I'm not too thrilled about this one either and was expecting big things from him after he got that growth removed from his neck. We'll see how it works out, but we do need the picks...

 

[SLang]

45 games, 7 goals, 15 assists. Four more games in the playoffs, no points.

And some don't like this move? Great move by DL IMO. ESPECIALLY if it turns into a third.

I like Gagne, but the Kings don't owe him anything. He should be thanking them for his Cup ring and for moving him to a team that will play him.

 

[KopitarFAN]

Terrible return. Not sure how anyone is happy with that.

With that said I love Simon and hope he gets to play straight away in Philly. Wait to see him put up 20 goals

Can't wait to see you and few others talk about how he and Simmonds among others could be scoring all those goals here. When the rest of us know, it's the system!

 

[The Big Giant Head]

I don't disregard your logic. I use the same when discussing Hickey with Kingsfan. That the Kings value size above all else, and therefore they believe keeping Muzzin is more essential than keeping Hickey.

I just disagree in this sense at the forward position. I think we are overvaluing size all round. We are already one of the biggest teams in the league, and I don't think, in this case, we should be giving up production for size. Gagne is twice as productive as Penner, and it might be worth foregoing a little size for production here or there.

The "right" players are subjective, and distracting to our relative goal. We've all voiced similar opinions over the years looking for a goal scorer. Needing a little bit more skill over being a perfect Lombardian role player.



Gagne = 45 GP 7G 22P +1
Penner = 94 GP 10G 26P -8

Gagne produces the same in nearly half the games. He is twice as productive.

im not saying i didnt like the guy, cause i really do. im sad to see him go and i wish things would have worked out better for him here. He was twice as productive as Penner but hes being paid 3x as much...at his cap hit he should be putting more up on the board. DL did the man a favor and sent him to Philly, which is where he belongs. I think his heart will be more invested in Philly than any other team in the league and hopefully he starts netting the puck again.

 

[Telos]

I am glad that he is going to Philly. That is where he belongs and he will produce well under that system and will likely earn a contract, it is a fresh start for him and his career.

 

[YP44]

im not saying i didnt like the guy, cause i really do. im sad to see him go and i wish things would have worked out better for him here. He was twice as productive as Penner but hes being paid 3x as much...at his cap hit he should be putting more up on the board. DL did the man a favor and sent him to Philly, which is where he belongs. I think his heart will be more invested in Philly than any other team in the league and hopefully he starts netting the puck again.

What the? Penners hit = 3.25M Gagne = 3.5M