• March 28, 2024

Gagne Unlikely to Return to Flyers Despite Internet Chatter

Let me be clear on the headline for this piece- I haven’t spoken to Simon Gagne, or heard from a source, or bought a crystal ball from a gypsy that has told me he will never return to Philadelphia. I wouldn’t even write about this if I hadn’t heard so many people tell me, “I heard he’s coming back!”

The truth is that he is unlikely to return to the orange and black until there is a change in management and/or ownership.

When Gagne was traded last July to the Tampa Bay Lightning, he spoke with John Boruk of CSNPhilly about the transaction.  In Boruk’s report, it was indicated that Gagne had initially declined to waive his no-trade clause but was pressured by the organization to leave.  With rumors following him for weeks, it eventually became too much and he gave Holmgren five teams he’d be willing to play for.

The main reason he was willing to waive his no-trade clause for Tampa Bay was because they had the salary cap space to be able to extend him it he had a successful season.

He didn’t want to be a one-year rental, even though early reports are that Tampa Bay is unlikely to re-sign him.

The Flyers organization has such a misguided concept of salary cap management that I doubt he would be willing to knowingly put himself in that situation again, as much as he loves Philadelphia. With so many names of current Flyers being thrown out as potential cap fodder to sign Ilya Bryzgalov, why would he want to be back in the middle of this mess?

All he wants is stability and a decent contract, neither of which he will get as long as Paul Holmgren and Ed Snider are at the helm.   Having Gags back would be great, but I don’t see it happening.

For the latest Flyers news, and in this case speculation, you can follow me on twitter (@JoshJanet).

Josh Janet

Josh Janet was raised in Northern New Jersey, but by an odd set of circumstances, is a Philadelphia sports fan. While recently converted to the Phillies, Josh is a diehard Flyers fan and can be expected to stay on top of the latest NHL news.

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DDCar
DDCar
June 19, 2011 5:15 pm

Why the hell would they resign him anyway. Although I loved Gagne, he’s one hit away from permanent brain damage, & hasn’t had a good or healthy season since forever. Also, how the F^@K do you criticize the best ownership that this city has ever had. Any player that has ever played for the Flyers love it here, & are treated like family. Josh your an idiot. Who gives a crap if he comes back here or not. This isn’t the days of Clarkies retreds, muckers & grinders. BTW, why would it be great to have him back? You want to get better, not rehash the past with old sentiments. Do you want Lindros, Primeau, Brindamour & LeClair too. Stupid useless article. 10 minutes of my life gone forever.

paulman
paulman
June 19, 2011 8:56 pm

The Bottom Line is that the Flyers are “coddled” by Ownership, Management,Local Media and the Fans and I see very little accountability to the Players who are highly paid to perform.. Where are all the Championships for one of the conisistently highest payrolls year after year in the NHL.. They have become a lot like the Yankees (but without the Championships)…They are Primma donnas who don’t have the heart of a Champion.. It’s been since 1974-1975… That’s over 30 years ago.. City’s Best Franchise is a fraud as is Owner (Mafia wanna-be) Ed Snider…

DDCar
DDCar
June 20, 2011 9:03 pm

Josh, sorry I called you an idiot. Was having a rough day. Bad choice of words. You & others on here do an admirable job for the most part. I think Gagne would take a pay cut right now, to retire here. He only probably will play another 2 years, if that. IDK. 😀

DDCar
DDCar
June 21, 2011 1:23 am

Nah, I wasn’t raised like that.
With the salary cap being raised $5 million, hopefully they won’t have to lose much. They might be able to get away with hiding Lapy, Walker, Shelley & Leighton contracts. Who knows. Man did Holmgren make some absurd contract signings.

DDCar
DDCar
June 21, 2011 3:41 am

Thanks will do. I would like to see them sign Cole, also.