Los Angeles Kings loses Brad Richards, compensated with Simon Gagne – NHL Free Agency Update
Los Angeles Kings was turned down by top National Hockey League's (NHL) free agency prospect after making him nearly the same offer which he accepted with New York Rangers.
Kings compensated for the missed chance by grabbing Tampa Bay’s free agent, left winger, Simon Gagne, on Saturday, signing him to a two-year, $7 million contract.
Without a doubt, Tampa Bay lost a top contributing player in the form of Gagne as he boasted a 40 point, 17 goals and 23 assists, record, last regular season and potted 12 points, 5 goals and 7 assists, in 15 games during the 2011 NHL Playoffs in Tampa's
run which ended at the Eastern Conference Finals against Boston Bruins in a close seven-game series.
Los Angeles also acquired former Philadelphia Flyers' captain, Mike Richards, one of the top players in the league, and adding Gagne to the line-up, since they are already friends, would create a meaningful duo.
"I've got a couple of buddies there, and everybody knows that I had great success playing with Mike", Gagne said. "It's almost like Philadelphia on the West Coast, so it was definitely a place where I know they were looking to get me, even last year when
I was willing to waive my no-trade clause".
Gagne, who was drafted in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft as the 22nd overall pick by Philadelphia, had played with Flyers and Richards has been with Flyers for 10 seasons, before being shifted to Tampa Bay last year, which makes for a sweet reunion.
Not just that, the current head coach and assistant coach are also very familiar with Gagne’s style of play.
Terry Murray, LA Kings' head coach, was an assistant head coach of Philadelphia for over four seasons while assistant coach, John Stevens, was Flyers' head coach.
"I had some really great seasons with those two coaches," Gagne said. "John was the head coach in Philly for two years, so it's good. When you change teams, sometimes you need to adjust to the coach, and I feel that I know those guys already."
Mixing both players up and adding there superstar forward, Anze Kopitar, to the scene will make for a great Kings' team that will certainly have a presence next season.
Tags: