It's just the way the business of pro sports operates. Who knows, when they first talked to Gagne, which was most likely in May or June, Cleary was probably not even on their radar. Should they have told Gagne to go ahead and look around? Yes, absolutely. On the other hand, Gagne and especially his agent, should have enough understanding of how the league operates to have gone and looked around anyway.
- BiggE

As I have long rambled, just because things may "be" a certain way, doesnt mean that its right. Change has to start somewhere.

Frankly, I think the Flyers treated Gagne like poop, after expressing public interest in bringing the player back. Whats done is done, but this organization has been doing some pretty (frank)ed up things regarding player relations the past few years.

I really don't know why anyone is criticizing the Flyers on not re-signing Gagne. None of us know exactly what Gagne was told by the Flyers. And Gagne's comments don't point to the Flyers being unethical in any way in my opinion. It's really a non story as far as I'm concerned.

There's two sides to every story. Sometimes one side sees it differently then the other side. Gagne maybe upset, but it's not fair to judge the Flyers just based on what Gagne says.
- MJL

amen. not to say it wasn't harsh, but i'm sure holmgren would describe it in different terms

amen. not to say it wasn't harsh, but i'm sure holmgren would describe it in different terms
- FlyerMike18

I'm sure he would, but I would honestly have to believe that Gagne was somehow bi-polar, or mentally insane to make up stuff like that.

Now its possible, but I never pegged Simon Gagne as mentally ill.

I said pretty much the exact same thing many times concerning Gervais as a player. But that didn't go over too well on here. I got the proverbial, "he sucks"!
Gervais averaged over 17 minutes if icetime a game. That is far too much. Much better defenseman then Gervais looked bad with the way the FLyers played defensively as a team.
- MJL

I'm with you on Gervais, I just think Grossmann is the most likely Dman to miss time so perhaps Gill is a better fit as the 7th man. Either way, it's not really that big an issue.

I'm with you on Gervais, I just think Grossmann is the most likely Dman to miss time so perhaps Gill is a better fit as the 7th man. Either way, it's not really that big an issue.
- BiggE

I think it comes down to what Bill said. What kind of player do you want as the 7th. A puck mover or a stay at home type. I personally would prefer a stay at home type. But not sure about Gill. Last I saw him play, his mobility was really suspect.

I think it comes down to what Bill said. What kind of player do you want as the 7th. A puck mover or a stay at home type. I personally would prefer a stay at home type. But not sure about Gill. Last I saw him play, his mobility was really suspect.
- MJL

Good point, I really haven't seen him play much since he went to Nashville.

I would have preferred it if the Flyers had just leveled with Gagne and told him he was just one of a couple of options they were considering -- and if he could go find a contract sooner elsewhere, he should go for it.

BTW, during his own playing career, Holmgren was on the other end of a similar thing in his final season in Philly. Bob McCammon wasn't entirely on the level with him in summer discussions about where he'd fit on the team. Holmgren ended up with greatly reduced playing time and an eventual trade to Minnesota after being told his roster spot was safe.
- bmeltzer

Agreed. And perhaps they (Homer) were straight with him from the beginning, who really knows? It's similar to the Cleary situation where a lot of people were quite salty about him not showing up, assuming he didn't give anybody a head's up while those who needed to know (Homer) apparently were well informed about the situation.

Still, you would think if Gags knew there was a good chance - say 50/50 - that he wasn't going to be part of the Flyers team this upcoming season, he would have tried to set up a PTO elsewhere. I mean, if Gil and Cleary are getting invites, I think Gagne likely would have some interest as well. And that's what bothers me.

Agreed. And perhaps they (Homer) were straight with him from the beginning, who really knows? It's similar to the Cleary situation where a lot of people were quite salty about him not showing up, assuming he didn't give anybody a head's up while those who needed to know (Homer) apparently were well informed about the situation.

Still, you would think if Gags knew there was a good chance - say 50/50 - that he wasn't going to be part of the Flyers team this upcoming season, he would have tried to set up a PTO elsewhere. I mean, if Gil and Cleary are getting invites, I think Gagne likely would have some interest as well. And that's what bothers me.
- wolfhounds

Gagne's agent stated that now that they know that the Flyers are not bringing Gagne back, that they are talking to other teams. Gagne previously instructed his agent not to talk to other teams before the recent situation. That is on Gagne.

Gagne's agent stated that now that they know that the Flyers are not bringing Gagne back, that they are talking to other teams. Gagne previously instructed his agent not to talk to other teams before the recent situation. That is on Gagne.
- MJL

Because Gagne thought he had an agreement with Homer and the Flyers. That's what this conversation is about.

Because Gagne thought he had an agreement with Homer and the Flyers. That's what this conversation is about.
- wolfhounds

Exactly, the conversation is about what Gagne thought. And we've only heard Gagne's take on what happened. There are two sides. There is zero direct evidence that the Flyers promised Gagne anything, or committed to him in any way. Verbal or otherwise. Only that they had discussions, and the Flyers expressed interest. This is no different then the Cleary situation. Where Cleary at first was going to sign with the Flyers, and then changed his mind, and decided to stay with the Red Wings. Nor is it different from any situation involving a Free Agent player. Where the player negotiates with a team, and then decides to take a different offer.

Because Gagne thought he had an agreement with Homer and the Flyers. That's what this conversation is about.
- wolfhounds

It was still unwise to break off conversation with other teams. As he himself admitted, he put all of his eggs in one basket.

Exactly, the conversation is about what Gagne thought. And we've only heard Gagne's take on what happened. There are two sides. There is zero direct evidence that the Flyers promised Gagne anything, or committed to him in any way. Verbal or otherwise. Only that they had discussions, and the Flyers expressed interest. This is no different then the Cleary situation. Where Cleary at first was going to sign with the Flyers, and then changed his mind, and decided to stay with the Red Wings. Nor is it different from any situation involving a Free Agent player. Where the player negotiates with a team, and then decides to take a different offer.
- MJL

I would say the fact that Gagne told his agent not to do anything is fairly compelling evidence. Unless you're prepared to argue he doesn't really care about his hockey career or that no other team in the league would have any interest in bringing him in for a tryout.

Still, we don't know everything here, that's for certain.

It was still unwise to break off conversation with other teams. As he himself admitted, he put all of his eggs in one basket.
- JAKEw1234

No doubt.

I would say the fact that Gagne told his agent not to do anything is fairly compelling evidence. Unless you're prepared to argue he doesn't really care about his hockey career or that no other team in the league would have any interest in bringing him in for a tryout.

Still, we don't know everything here, that's for certain.
- wolfhounds

That's compelling evidence that the Flyers made a commitment to Gagne? How? That is only compelling evidence of Gagne telling his agent not to talk to other teams. And nothing more. And that Gagne thought the Flyers were bringing him back. Gagne himself stops well short of stating that the Flyers made a commitment to him. What I'd be prepared to argue, is that Gagne made a mistake, and foolishly put his eggs in one basket. As he even admitted himself.

The 7th defenseman, whoever he may be, will be a whipping boy if the team is not successful. I agree about Bruno. Players with limitations need to be put in positions to succeed. It's funny how some will overlook the multitude of issues that contributed to last year's failure and instead zero in on the mistakes an overexposed extra defenseman. Have my doubts about Gill being able to keep up with the game and doubt if he'll make the team.

The 7th defenseman, whoever he may be, will be a whipping boy if the team is not successful. I agree about Bruno. Players with limitations need to be put in positions to succeed. It's funny how some will overlook the multitude of issues that contributed to last year's failure and instead zero in on the mistakes an overexposed extra defenseman. Have my doubts about Gill being able to keep up with the game and doubt if he'll make the team.
- 2731color

Well said!

why wont' homer sign gagne he won a stanley cup what has homer won

Happy Zwanze Day.

If you are in Philly and have the chance, stop by Monks Cafe today and try these historic Belgian Ales.
http://cantillon.be/br/3_21

why wont' homer sign gagne he won a stanley cup what has homer won
- 2Real

Our hearts

Happy Zwanze Day.

If you are in Philly and have the chance, stop by Monks Cafe today and try these historic Belgian Ales.
http://cantillon.be/br/3_21
- Marc D

I'm working around the corner from there now and you have me salivating. Thanks a lot!

I'm working around the corner from there now and you have me salivating. Thanks a lot!
- funmaster18

I'm jealous.
If you go and taste please report back!

Good morning everybody. What a beautiful day for college football
- KINGKENZO

And QMJHL hockey

Good morning everybody. What a beautiful day for college football
- KINGKENZO

...he sarcastically says....

RIGHT?!

Lets see A & M beat the tide.....then it will be a beautiful day!!!
- huks99

Roll Tide