Flyers Deal Gagne To Tampa Bay For … For … Not Too Much

 

With a payroll reaching over the salary cap and a few more players left to be signed, the Philadelphia Flyers needed to gain some cap relief. The player they chose to turn to was left wing Simon Gagne, who spent the entirety of his 10-year NHL career with the Flyers and had one year remaining on his contract that pays $5.25 million. On July 2, he reportedly agreed to waive his no-trade clause. That claim was later disputed by Gagne, but he understood the situation the Flyers were in and knew the writing was on the wall for an end to his tenure in Philadephia.

His future, like all the other left wings still sitting on the free agent market, hinged largely on the decision made by Ilya Kovalchuk. So, when Kovalchuk decided on Monday afternoon to remain in New Jersey, it appeared as if a whole new market opened up for Gagne. The Los Angeles Kings’ failed pursuit of Kovalchuk would have instantly made them a serious player for Gagne, as they reportedly already had interest in him.

But just a few minutes after Kovalchuk’s re-signing with the Devils was announced, a trade involving Gagne was also made. He was acquired by the Tampa Bay Lighting for defenseman Matt Walker and a 2011 fourth round draft. And just like that, as if he didn’t already look like one, General Manager Steve Yzerman became one of the smartest GMs in the league in just the few short months he’s held the position with the Lightning.