<<"I don't have any animosity towards the man, but I don't care if he ever suits up again.">>

I sort of get where you are coming from with this sentiment?

But Gagne, is valuable when healthy which he has been for the most part of his career. It will be just 3 seasons out of 10 where he will miss significant time so he hasn't been an injury riddled player throughout his tenure here.

But more importantly, with the emergence of Giroux and JVR Gagne, can be asked to a little less offensively now and be that strong two way presence that is needed to win in the post season.
I have always thought he was a rung or two below the top LW's in the game. Not that he was a bad player just not as good as some of the players ahead of him but he was our top LW for many years once LeClaire, moved on.

Once he recovers and gets back on the ice he should be used in more of that checking role first then scoring LW. Sort of like Zetterburg or Yzerman late in his career.
I think there is finally enough offensive talent on this team where Simon, doesn't have to be considered the go to guy anymore.
Take some of the load off his shoulders and he will probably flourish as a shutdown winger who will capitalize on scoring opportunities because he has great scoring touch.

Just one man's opinion but he has a lot of good hockey left in him to play either here or somewhere else?

<<"However, if he's so vital, why do they seem to get by without him?">>

Where did I say that he was vital??

What I did say was since JL left he has been considered this teams best LW'er.
But as you point out hey have been able to make up for him not being in the line up when he has been out of it.

But what they haven't been able to do is overcome when he has been shut down or cold in the post season.
That has more to do with the team being thin at LW in years past and I think there is now finally some better depth emerging where he no longer has to be the the go to guy.
His defensive game is top notch and is rarely an issue at all for him.

I think it would be smart for the organization to transition him from the top line LW into a more checking line role and not ask him to be a top scorer.
Let his natural abilities work for him as a top shut down LW who is going to cash in when he gets chances to score because he has the hands and speed to do so when healthy.

"Where did I say that he was vital??"

You didn't, but 5.25 in cap is vital.

He's got to start sticking his nose where it doesn't belong. If he doesn't either create traffic or play in traffic (and plays like the guy we've seen so far this year,) then it's time to adjust his attitude or his location.

He's been such a fantastic player for the Flyers--I will keep holding out hope that he gets healthy and plays 100% hockey.

His 5.25 gets really heavy after a while with no help (35 goals) to lift it.

when healthy, there are few LW i'd take before gagne for his great 2 way play....and CONTINUOUS goal scoring ability.

the rate at which people on this board want to axe certainly players is mind blowing.

This thread is making me feel ill.

Everyone needs to chillax for a hot minute. Do you think this guy wants to be injured and going under the knife? Injuries happen. Grow up. (not you usa, the other clowns here)

I care in the fact that he recovers but as far as the Flyers are concerned I think it will help as it will mean more ice time for Giroux and JVR.

Granted he did score 34 goals last year and is always a two way player but his goals were very quiet last year.

I honestly thought they should have explored trading him in the offseason while his value was high again.

"Where did I say that he was vital??"

Relax boss, I asked you a question. I didn't accuse you of anything.

I would be fine with him in a more defensive role. I remember when he was having issue (health) a few years ago I was at the point where I said I'd be happy with 25/25 and good defense from him. I still feel that way. 40-50 points and (I'm talking a top PK type of defensive play) I'm happy.

However, I think since Hitch left he has now shown the same commitment to D.

I don't know if that's exactly a fair comparison. Big Baby E was a P in the A, make no mistakes. He also didn't always live up to expectations.

However, there's time's that man strapped the team on his back. While his career can ultimately be viewed as not living up to it's potential, he was (at times) a game changer.

I do not think you can say the same thing about Gags. If anything, I'd say E's presence was missed more than Gags.