Tracking a player’s recovery from a concussion is always a bit like trying to hit a moving target. The player could have symptoms every day for a month, then wake up and feel substantially better. That said, things aren’t going well for Simon Gagne, who suffered a concussion in the Kings’ Dec. 26 game against Phoenix and has missed five consecutive games. A couple people familiar with the situation have indicated that, at this moment, Gagne is nowhere close to returning to game action and that his availability for the rest of the season might be in doubt. The Kings would be allowed to put Gagne on long-term injured reserve, but they would only get salary-cap relief if they spent up to the cap maximum, this season or next season. Of course, things can change — and, for Gagne’s sake, hopefully will — but right now, Gagne does not seem headed for the type of short-term recovery that Mike Richards, for instance, had this season. Gagne has a history of concussions in the NHL, as he reportedly once had three concussions in one season. Justin Williams, one of Gagne’s closest friends on the team, said he didn’t know much about Gagne’s status.
WILLIAMS: “He hasn’t shaved his beard, so that means I can’t talk to him about it. I don’t have much experience with it, but I think with concussions, the less questions you ask, the better. The more they think about it, the more they put pressure on themselves, and stress. You just want your brain to relax, I think. He had a big beard last night. He said, `Don’t talk to me about my concussion until I shave my beard.’ So I look at him and I just ask him how his day is going.’’
Not good…
Hockey fans everywhere are surely pulling for this guy.
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Bama Kings Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@Helvetica,
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Bama Kings Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@Helvetica, Meant to say, “Truth right there…”
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EmptyTank Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
@Helvetica,
Agreed! Even my Duck fan friend said this about Gagne: “He’s a class-act. I’ve got a lot of respect for him”.
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I hope Simone gets better soon, not for the Kings sake, but for Simone’s sake. Concussions are scary things that are taking over the game. The last thing Simone needs is a life altering situation happening due to a concussion. Get well Simone.
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Lake Forest Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
@CB14, +1
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pitty Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:46 pm
@CB14, Well Said, Sometimes the game takes a backseat to life
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Deke'r Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 5:59 pm
@pitty, ….sometimes?…now that’s a fan…
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USHA#17 Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:11 pm
@CB14, Every Deadmarsh interview I hear begs the question if he ever fully recovered.
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I think he has had previous concussions, no? I remember that was talked about as a risk when he was signed
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Chaz Curry Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:11 pm
@John, Ya, you could say that Gagne has had concussions before…
hehe
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:36 pm
@John, 4 on record so you can figure he’s probably had several more.
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California Royalty Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:37 pm
@John, Did you read Rich’s post?
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OneTimer Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 10:10 pm
@California Royalty,
Seriously. Amazing sometimes, isn’t it?
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jmsalsa Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:37 pm
@John, “Gagne has a history of concussions in the NHL, as he reportedly once had three concussions in one season.” -Rich Hammond (from the article above)
so…that’s a yes.
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Scootty Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:52 pm
@jmsalsa, You would think that would answer the concussion history question.
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USHA#17 Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
@Scootty, First concussion: Apple falls, hits Eve on the head. As you can see, to this day, not fully recovered. (Sorry ladies!)
Don’t let Carter or Nash leave town with the team after tomorrow’s game.
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I just hope he doesn’t feel the need to speed up his recovery and get back on the ice. Take care of yourself first and foremost, Simone.
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Hopefully Simon doesn’t end up with a beard like the old hatfield vs. mckoy looney tunes cartoons…
get well soon.
But in the same breath, aren’t we up against the cap max? Can someone who knows shed some light?
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JWR Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
@Stuart,
He could always join ZZ Top
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Dominick Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
@Stuart, I think with the space and his remaining capspace the Kings would have around 2.4 mill to spend.
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Stuart Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
@Dominick, hmmmm…doesn’t sound like much. damn DD!!! just kidding Dom.
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Michael J. Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
@Stuart,
No kidding needed Stuart. This situation is exactly why his contract will hurt this team for years to come.
Duckbasher Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
@Stuart, – I’d trade Doughty for Randy Jones at this point just to get rid of his overpaid contract.
Token Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
@Stuart, The Kings could spend an amount of $$ above the cap equal to the salary Gagne receives while on LTIR without incurring a cap penalty.
Gagne’s salary remains on the cap, just no penalty for overage so long as it does not exceed the remainder of his salary.
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Dominick Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
@Token, I think that would leave us 3.9 no?
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Token Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
@Dominick, Kings now have ~ 750k of cap space.
Gags LTIR budget would be in the 1.75 – 2 M range of cap overage, depending on date.
So figure 2.5M
That don’t buy much these days.
We are likely to make do with what we got.
Stuart Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:46 pm
@Token, 1000 thank yous sir! but if it’s the amount that Dom mentioned, then it doesn’t sound like a whole lot of wiggle room…
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Dominick Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
@Stuart, I’m not sure but if I understand Tokens statement, the Kings will have 2.4 in cap space, minus the remaining balance of Gagne’s salary this season. Plus we won’t be penalized for going over the cap by 1.75 mill of Gagne’s remaining salary, giving us around 4 mill to spend on a replacement for this season.
Stuart Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
@Dom, my bad, I took your figure as the amount we would be able to go over without being penalized. 4 mil sounds like enough to make something happen, especially for a rental that we’re only on the hook for half of the cap hit…
Jerry Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 1:15 am
@Stuart, You guys are forgetting the fact that we have contracts that will expire next year… SUCH as PEnner so we will have room to play with.. scott parse who is useless to us with all his injuries…
Here is a website for all of you .. you can figure out the capspace for ur selves
http://www.thehockeygm.com/la.html
Get better real soon Gage, we all miss you and are pulling for you for a full and good recovery, best of luck.
Go Kings Go, Lets start er up!
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Ya Rich , what is the Kings salary situation if Simone is out?
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We went to tip-a-King, and I’d have to say Gagne is one of the nicest guys we spoke to! As a player, we’re going to miss him playing. Ultimately, hockey is just a game. I hope his quality of life doesn’t suffer due to concussions. I know everyone is hoping the best for him!
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ike Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
@The Puck Stops Here, When you make millions, its not just a game. I think most people would accept the risk given the payout.
Get well Gagne!
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Rich explained the salary limitations in his report above.
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TheAcaciaStrain Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
@Zeley, that’s right he did, very good. Nothing gets by this guy
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I am scared for Gagne. He has a history of concussions. After the 1st one, each one after that occurs with less force and the symptoms seem to last a lot longer. I have a history of hockey-related concussions myself, but never really took them too seriously until Probert’s death. After 7 concussions and losing memory of 9 minutes of a the period that I took my worst concussion in, I have considered hanging up the skates entirely. And I only play in a beer league. For Simone and his family’s sake, I truly hope for a speedy recovery. Life is first.
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DL has to make a move now
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AZ King Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
@Richy rich,
no, he needs to be patient and wait for the right deal to come along. If he forces something out of panic we are going to get screwed.
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Dominick Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:14 pm
@AZ King, Agreed! Foxy mentioned that the situation with Dean is that Dean is listening. No need to panic unless the right deal comes along. Till then, why force it and overpay.
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Did I read that correctly? That as long as he has a beard, players know not to talk to him about it?
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Stuart Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
@SafariChecker, it’s a mourning beard.
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dam, to bad. get well even if it means calling it quits.
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This is really becoming a major problem for the NHL.
The league has lost a lot of great players this year alone to concussions that you’d think the players would make certain that when they’re making contact with another player they’d make sure the head is not part of the target. That may be hard to do in some instances but still the players need to realize this league will suffer long term for losing it’s star players to these types of injuries.
Get well soon Gagne..best to you and yours.
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Stuart Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
@KOHO, maybe if you remove helmets everyone will have to fear being hit in the head and players will begin to respect the game and more importantly, each other… I know it’ll never get to that, but still, I’m sure players will feel pretty vulnerable without a lid on and they would think twice before delivering a hit that is even remotely dangerous.
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Lake Forest Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
@Stuart, they’d be more fearful of getting hit with the puck too or just falling on the ice. Bad move in my opinion to even go that route. I do understand what you are saying though.
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KOHO Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 3:58 pm
@Stuart,
Not a bad idea but skating around without a helmet is dangerous in of itself. Tough topic to remedy let’s just hope they can find a way to curb these injuries one way or another.
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Dude needs to hang up the skates. He was done before he got here and now he is only worse for it. Get well and stay well Gagne.
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Alan Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:08 pm
@Eric, I agree it was really never a good signing anyhow head had the history of them and guess what he has another shocker. So put him on IR and spend up to the cap so we can amke a move or two. I feel bad for him but it’s not like he was lighting the net up he had not scored in like 15 games. It’s on you DL why did you not spend the money on ZUS?
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Gmo Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
@Eric,
Agree with you. I hope for a speedy recovery for him too but hope he calls it quits before anything worse happens
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Get well. As long as the Kings keep getting points no pressure to come back…
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I think we have to prepare for life without Gagne… I was fearful of this when they signed him. But for the time he did play, he sure did look good in that Kings jersey.
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OneTimer Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 10:16 pm
@California Royalty,
+1
A lotta NHL goals left in that boy. Struggled at times, yes … but he was worth the patience. Kings Uni looked GREAT on him with his gorgeous skating stride.
Very bummed to hear this.
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When the hell are they going to soften that freaking armor that they like to call pads? It seems like such a simple thing to do and, while it won’t eliminate concussions, I bet it would cut back on them significantly.
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Really hope Gags is back real soon and just like everyone else said, for the sake of his health and well being. I know I’m not alone on this,I hate seeing any athlete suffer from concussions and it really worries me that his season can be at stake.
Get well soon gags!!!
Go kings!
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Since it was brought up in this post I am going to ask, what are the specifics regarding the exact amounts that we have available.
Again, I wish the best for Simone to get better, just curious about specifics.
if anyone is offended by me asking i apologize.
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bbb7 Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:22 pm
@Lake Forest, I’m not sure exactly how it works, but as of today the Kings are $785,000 under the cap and Gagne has a $3.50 million cap hit, so likely the Kings could use relief on his hit to sign someone in the $4 million cap hit neighborhood without having to dump any salary, or add $4 million in net cap hit in any trades.. IF he’s put on long term IR.
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Lake Forest Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:25 pm
@bbb7, You are awesome. Appreciate it!
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Why not use M11 helmet?
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Bad news indeed. Our league worst offense somehow found a way to get even worse.
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DL’s free agents moves have been lousy…If you line up all DL’s moves and either put a plus or a minus….there would be more minuses(including drafting)then pluses……..Mouson,Purcell,Boyle,,Lewis,Hickey(at this point)Penner, etc.Crawford,Murray etc… Gagne..please get better!!!
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neil Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
@neil, also Moreau and Hunter…geez Have we ever signed a good free agent???
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number 6 Reply:
January 7th, 2012 at 9:35 am
@neil,
Yes…. Willie Mitchell and Rob Scuderi.
If you want to rephrase that to UFA forward, it’s a definitive NO.
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Weasel Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@neil,
Tell me about Moulson. How did you know he was too good to let go? Why do you think the Kings felt differently?
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neil Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:25 pm
@Weasel, Not Moulson per se…but a list of bad deals….What player has DL picked up in six years that has overacheived????
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Weasel Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:32 pm
@neil,
Over? No one I can think of. But Richards looks worth the price we paid. I’m not saying the man if great, if the team fails to clear the 1st round he should have to explain himself to the ownership.
But, we can’t go back and critique past deals unless there was a good reason to suspect the deal at the time.
Penner is his worst deal on paper. Yet, at the time the experts thought it was a fair deal.
number 6 Reply:
January 7th, 2012 at 9:35 am
@neil,
none
OneTimer Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 10:32 pm
@neil, Hindsight is always (always) 20/20, if not 20/10.
Please tell us you have more to offer then pure hindsight?
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I feared this from the minute we signed him because he has had multiple concussions, they are accumulative, and there is a strict protocal in the league now for handling them. On the one hand I hope it’s not over for Gags, but on the other hand if he comes back he will be fragile at best and we’ll worry every time he’s involved in any contact at all. Although I wouldn’t hold out too much hope, it would be great to see a healthy Gagne in the playoffs.
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Wow I feel for gagne. Best wishes to him and family . hope he can heal soon and get through this .
GKG
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are concussions getting worse(in all sports) or is what is considered a concussion different these days???? Way too many ….
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Dominick Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
@neil, I think awareness is better as far as how many we’re seeing, but in Gagne’s case it’s a matter of history.
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
@neil, That’s the same question I have. I’ve been watching hockey since the 70′s and I don’t see any change at all in the contact and the players are better protected now by both their state of the art equipment and the rule changes. It seems the only thing that has changed is the awareness level and the protocal for treatment and release to play. When you look at the guys that aren’t playing now as well as the guys that have lost time, it’s really sad.
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Even though I have always support the NHL in deciding that fights are part of the game I have to say that long term they need to go. Not sure when exactly, but soon. I know this changes the game a lot, but there is still a ton of checking to be excited about. Head injuries are way to serious to knowingly put players directly in the lone of fire. (I know that has zero to do with Gagne’s situation)
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:32 pm
@Weasel, Brian Burke was making the case today that the decrease in fighting is dangerous and what’s leading to more injuries. Back in the day, a cheap shot artist was accountable for his actions. Now with the instagator rule and other changes, all they have to do is not drop the gloves and you can’t touch them without big penalties and suspensions. Shanahan in now trying to do what the enforcers used to police, and he’s not doing a very good job. Look at what Bergenheim did to Richards and he got nothing. Fights are simply agreed to now and little more than a dance that’s irrelevant as far as the game’s concerned.
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Dominick Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
@40YearKingsFan, Would be interesting if the NHL could find a balance somewhere. If you let guys run umuck, then you end up with the Broad Street Bullies. If you give’m the instigator, then you end up with dancing bears. Both are the extremes of too little, or not enough. Either way teams are going to take advantage, and force the league to do something.
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 5:53 pm
@Dominick, Yeah, you know, its actually a far more complex debate than it might seem to some people.
Duckbasher Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
@40YearKingsFan, I agree 100%. As we’ve seen in recent weeks, lots of suspensions (some long ones too). This is why Westgarth is unnecessary. He’s just taking up a roster spot that could go to someone who can contribute to the score board. He doesn’t enforce anything (or check anyone). He’s merely a dancing bear cheerleader at best and not to mention… a horrible dancer.
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I Report Gagne out for season
Hope Not
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Deke'r Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 6:01 pm
@MOSH, ….yeah…I kinda think he’s done as well….great career though…
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Get well soon Gagne, our prayers go out to you and your family
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I don’t know how I missed this article yesterday. How sad for Gagne. Here’s to hoping he recovers completely. We need him, but his health is more important. Such a shame. Hope to see him clean shaven soon!
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@KingsGirl, forget about this season his quality of life is at stake. For his and his families sake I hope he hangs em up and takes care of his Mellon!
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