Boston Bruins: Simon Gagne on Indefinite leave.
December 1, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing
Simon Gagne(12) celebrates with left wing
Daniel Paille(20) his goal scored against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Bruins announced today that Bruins forward Simon Gagne would be on an extended leave of absence. With the amount of injuries the Bruins have sustained and Gagne’s history of medical issues, Boston media was abuzz with speculation over what had happened to the thirty-four year old forward. Later in the day, the B’s newest Merlot Man released a statement to the media regarding his leave.
“I have taken a personal leave of absence from the Boston Bruins in order to return home to Quebec to be with my father, who was recently diagnosed with liver cancer. The doctors – who have been great throughout this whole process – unfortunately informed us that his cancer is not curable. I greatly appreciate the support and understanding that the Bruins organization and my teammates have given to me and my family since I let them know the news and I look forward to rejoining them when the time is appropriate. Until then, I would kindly ask everyone to respect my family and I’s privacy during this difficult time.”
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It is unclear how long Gagne will be out of the line up for Boston. While this is a severe tragedy for the Gagne family, it’s also painful for the Bruins organization right now. Gagne is starting to come back to the level of play that helped the Philadelphia Flyers take the Bruins out of the playoffs back in 2010. Gagne currently has four points (three goals) for Boston in twenty-three appearances. While he’s had limited ice time on the fourth line, the line of Gagne, Daniel Paille, and Gregory Campbell were finally starting to gel.
With the Bruins down another winger, the organization will likely call up someone from Providence to fill the hole in the roster. Craig Cunningham could see a return to the right wing. Ryan Spooner and Alexander Khokhlachev are also good candidates, even though they work primarily as centers. The Bruins have called up plenty of AHL talent so far this season, and they may even move the lines around to give David Pastrnak another game or two playing for the big club.
The team at Causeway Crowd offers its sympathies and best wishes to the family of one of our Bruins.