After a 14-year career in the NHL, Simon Gagne announced his retirement.
“Today, I want to thank my trainers and teammates,” Gagne stated in a press release. “You inspired me to surpass myself. You made me understand that you need more than talent; it takes sacrifice and discipline and you need to work harder than your rivals. I also wish to thank my fans. Every evening, you energized me and inspired me to perform.”
The 35-year-old played the majority of his career with the Philadelphia Flyers after being the 22nd overall pick in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. During his time with the Flyers, he ranked up 264 goals and 535 points.
After spending a year in Tampa, Gagne would eventually win the Stanley Cup in 2012 with the Los Angeles Kings.
The two-time All Star’s career has been riddled with setbacks. He has suffered from groin and neck injuries as well as multiple concussions.
He took a year off to recover some an injury before signing with the Boston Bruins. Gagne only played 26 games before taking a leave of absence to care for his ailing father. Gagne chose not to return to the team and was let go in January 2015.
Gagne had been a free agent before announcing his retirement.
Danielle E. Meegan
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