After a year away from the National Hockey League, the versatile, veteran sniper Simon Gagne is back.
After coming to the Bruins on a tryout contract, he was one of the very last roster exemptions as he seemed to find his game and did whatever it took to make the team. With the team’s slow 1-3 start, he was rewarded with a 1-year $600,ooo contract Tuesday.
The 34-year old played 11 seasons in Philly and topped out at 47 goals in 2005-06. He potted 41 the next season but has only potted more than thirty once the next six seasons, not even touching 20. Due to injury problems, failure to live up to expectations, and just decline of play with age, Gagne was let go by the Flyers after the lockout-shortened 2013 season. With the Flyers and Kings he posted career worsts in goals(5) and points(16) albeit a short campaign. He has been known as a clutch performer in the regular season with 52 career game-winning goals and seven in the postseason. (NHL Network)
What he brings to the Bruins outside of another burden to their tight cap is versatility and experience that will aid Boston’s younger forwards. He may not chip in as much as he used to, but the Bruins will take whatever they can get with a 1-3 start going into Hockeytown Wednesday night facing a Detroit Red Wings club that has had a lot of regular season success recently against Boston, going 4-1 in their last five meetings.
Gagne is hoping he can contribute and is willing to do so in any way he possibly can with what he has left in the tank.
“If I have to be the extra guy, on the fourth line or replace guys when it’s not going well or injuries, playing on the penalty kill, whatever it takes,” Gagne said. “I’m here to help the team win, and I’m really happy to have a chance to get back in the league on a good team. I’m open to everything. … I think I’m starting with (Daniel) Paille and (Ryan) Spooner (on Wednesday).” (NESN)
The Bruins will like his versatility on the wing and are hoping to get some bonus contributions to jumpstart their sleepy offense that has scored four goals in four games so far on the young campaign.
It’s a safe deal in terms of where the Bruins are financially, with a low-risk low-reward attachment. It will be interesting to see how Gagne adjusts with a league that already has a one year jump on him.
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Gagne quote courtesy of NESN.com
Stats/bio courtesy of Hockey Reference and NHL Network
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