Flyers Sign Forward Simon Gagne to a Two-Year Contract

The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that they have signed 6'0", 190-pound forward Simon Gagne to a two-year contract, according to club President and General Manager Bob Clarke. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed. "We think that Simon is one of the better young players in the game and certainly has a chance to be a terrific player in the National Hockey League for the Flyers," said Clarke in making the announcement. "We waited a long time, me and my family, to get a deal and I'm very happy that we were able to get it done before training camp," said Gagne.

Gagne, 22, set new career highs for goals (33), assists (33) and points (66) in a season in 79 games for the Flyers last season. He led the team in goals (33, tied for 17th in the NHL), game-winning goals (7, tied for ninth in the NHL) and shooting percentage (16.6%). He was also second on the team in points (66) and plus/minus at +31 (tied for third in the NHL). For his efforts during the 2001-02 season, Gagne was awarded the Toyota Cup as the Flyer who accumulated the most points associated with being selected as a "Star of the Game". As a member of Team Canada at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, Gagne recorded a goal and three assists in six games as Team Canada captured the gold medal.

A native of Ste. Foy, Quebec, Gagne has registered 80 goals and 93 assists for 173 points and 72 penalty minutes in 228 career regular season games over the last three seasons (1999-2000 through 2001-02). For the 2001-02 season, Gagne shared the Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy as the most improved player from the previous season as voted by his teammates (with Dan McGillis). He was a member of the North American Team for the 51st NHL All-Star Game, scoring two goals, including the game-winning goal, in the contest. Gagne was also named to the NHL All-Rookie Team following the 1999-2000 season. He was originally drafted by the Flyers from the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in the first round (22nd overall) of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.

Simon Gagne's Career Statistics:

			Regular Season					Playoffs
YEAR	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM

1996-97	Beauport	QMJHL	51	9	22	31	49	--	--	--	--	--
1997-98	Quebec	QMJHL	53	30	39	69	26	12	11	5	16	23
1998-99	Quebec	QMJHL	61	50	70	120	42	13	9	8	17	4
1999-00	FLYERS	NHL	80	20	28	48	22	17	5	5	10	2
2000-01	FLYERS	NHL	69	27	32	59	18	6	3	0	3	0
2001-02_	FLYERS_	NHL	79	33	33	66	32	5	0	0	0	2

NHL/FLYERS TOTALS			228	_80_	_93_	173	72	28	8	5	13	4

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