UPDATE 10.28.09 4:30PM : Gagne will indeed need surgery and is seeking a final second opinion before he goes under the knife. Giroux jumped to the top line last night with Richards and Hartnell, while James van Riemsdyk skated with Carter and Briere on the 2nd line. Giroux should be on someone's team in your league, and JVR is at least worth a spot on your watch list.
Oh, and apparently, the Flyers have No Interest in Shanahan either. Just Saying.
...
After starting the season with just 1 goal in 9 games, struggling Philadelphia Flyer Left Wing Simon Gagne underwent an ultrasound today where 2 hernias were discovered in the right side of his Groin.
Gagne played just 1 shift in the third period of Sunday's 4-1 loss to San Jose and then he missed practice yesterday. Concerned this was related to Gagne's off-season hip surgery, the Flyers ordered the tests. Simon also had a slight groin problem at the Olympic Camp earlier this year which led to Gagne leaving the camp after just a day.
For the Fantasy lowdown on Gagne's diagnosis, join us below the crease.
>
Fantasy Wise, this is a blow to the Flyers and Gagne owners, who have been waiting for him to break out. Don't fret though, as it's better this happened so early in the year as it seems some sort of surgery is definitely on the horizon for Gagne to repair the two tears.. The Shifty Winger tallied 1G and 5 Assists in the first 9 games, but had no stamina and no power on his shot in the early going. He will probably miss the Olympics altogether.
Short term, lines were just changed up last game and Gagne landed on the third grouping with Claude Giroux and Ian laperriere. Daniel Carcillo will now roll up and play with Giroux on the third line while James van Riemsdyk will continue to play alongside Jeff Carter and Danny Briere. Both Carcillo and van Riemsdyk get a boost in their fantasy value, with JVR having the bigger upside.
Keep an eye on rookie Mike Pyorala, who may get a look on the 2nd line with Mike Richards. After all, playing alongside Mike Richards could make me a solid fantasy option. Blair Betts will return to the Phlyers by the end of the week, so that will help the Penalty Kill immensely. Betts has more actual value than fantasy value in all but the deepest of leagues.
Parting thought:
If Gagne goes on LTIR, the Flyers could easily clear enough cap room to add a veteran winger with a locker room presence to fill the gap. Like Brendan Shanahan. Just saying.
Comments