Beating out the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning in the Simon Gagne sweepstakes is a solid triumph for the Los Angeles Kings.
Although unable to sign the most coveted free-agent Brad Richards, he may have created a logjam at the centre position for the Kings and could have caused more trouble than good.
But Gagne, though aging and dealing with recent injury troubles, should fit in nicely with the Kings, especially if paired with newly acquired centre and former teammate Mike Richards.
There are absolutely no doubts that Gagne joined the Kings to reunite with past linemate Richards.
Gagne and Richards were a staple on the penalty kill for the Flyers in the past and were linemates for several seasons before Gagne was sent to Tampa by Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren.
Before the trade, playing together in 2008-09, Gagne tallied 34 goals and 40 assists while earning a plus-21 rating, and Richards compiled a career-best 30 goals, 50 assists and plus-22 rating.
Not bad...at even strength.
On the penalty kill in the same year, Gagne buried four short-handed goals, while Richards paced the lea ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Ryan Fines
Simon Gagne Joins Los Angeles Kings, Reunites with Mike Richards
July 2nd, 2011 by Ryan Fines Leave a reply »
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