There are multiple teams rumored to be possible destinations for left winger Simon Gagne, but the two most likely options (should Gagne actually waive his no-trade-clause) are the Los Angeles Kings and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
General manager Paul Holmgren may have put himself into a tough bargaining position now that the team is well over the salary cap, but a decent trade for prospects and picks could be gained from either of these teams.
The Kings have a number of former Flyers management on staff and would not likely try to swindle the team.  I would also not expect the new GM for the Lightning, hockey legend Steve Yzerman, to low ball a trade offer while trying to leave his stamp on the team.
The hold-up for the Kings is the current drama with free agent superstar Ilya Kovalchuk, who has pulled a Lebron James with his indecision to sign to a team.  The Kings, who have $17.5 million left to sign seven players, will not make a move until the Kovalchuk situation is sorted out.
Many would like to see Manchester Monarchs goaltender and top prospect Jonathan Bernier come to Philadelphia, but I don’t see the Kings parting with him.
With left winger Alex Tanguay signing with the Calgary Flames, the Lightning are in need of a top six left winger for the Lecavelier line.  They have $20.2 million to sign seven players, so taking on Gagne’s contract is possible.
In addition to a new general manager, they also have a new owner who may be enticed by bringing in a player with Gagne’s market value.  The Flyers would benefit if they could replenish their centermen depth with Dana Tyrell, the “highest plus player on the [Norfolk Admirals]” according to Hockeyfutures.com, or Ty Wishart, the top defensive prospect for the Lightning and a former first-round draft pick.
The longer that this drags on, the more frustrating this gets for both Simon Gagne and the fans.  I hope that this move, or whatever move the Flyers finally make, happens sooner than later to show Gagne a little more respect.
