Talented LW Simon Gagne, who missed most of the regular season with concussion symptoms, had been skating with the Kings‘ healthy scratches of late. Today, he participated in a regular team practice for the first time.
This is a positive sign, but according to Hammond, it still seems unlikely that he will dress for the postseason. However, it’s great to see him make progress and skate in good health. His conditioning probably needs work, though Darryl Sutter noted that having some “live ammo” in reserve is welcome to any playoff team.
If the Kings should go on to win the Stanley Cup, Gagne currently does not qualify for inclusion on the chalice — unless, of course, he were to play in the Stanley Cup Finals. He fell just short of the regular season game requirements before he was injured. (We should note that the Boston Bruins petitioned to have Marc Savard’s name put on the Cup when his season ended prematurely due to concussion symptoms, and succeeded. That may be a possibility here.)
- For more on Gagne, check out this video interview with Mayor’s Manor./
KingsNewsDaily brings us video of Gagne in practice. He’s sniping away and cheering in the green jersey.
What do you all think? Will the Kings consider playing him if he makes rapid improvement? Where would he slot in, if so?
We wish Simon the best on his journey back to the NHL. Then he can get back to this: