Simon Gagne Won't Return To Bruins Due To Personal Reasons
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Boston Bruins announced on Monday that veteran winger Simon Gagne will not return to the team this season.
Gagne, 34, left the team in early December to spend time with his ailing father, who passed away on Dec. 26.
"At this time Simon feels that he has to be home with his family and he has the complete support of the Boston Bruins organization with this decision," general manger Peter Chiarelli said. "Given Simon's decision not to return to the team, we have to change his status to maintain a full roster. I spoke to Simon about this, and he assured me that we have his full support with this status change."
Gagne played in 23 games for the Bruins this season before taking his leave of absence.
"The last month has been extremely difficult for me with my father being sick and his passing," said Gagne. "To play in the NHL you have to be 100 percent mentally, emotionally and physically committed to the game. At this time I know that I cannot be close to those levels. The Bruins organization and my teammates have been great to my family and I during this time. When I decided not to return this season, I spoke to Peter and assured him that I did not want the organization or my teammates to be impacted. Together we made the decision that my status would be changed so that the team could have a full active roster. In addition, I would like to thank the fans and the NHL family for all of the support that they have given my family and I during this difficult time -- it has truly meant a lot."
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