Simon Gagne is settling into a new hockey home for the first time since he broke into the league with the Flyers over a decade ago. Sounds like his Lightning teammates are doing what they can to make Gags feel welcome. Even former Penguin Ryan Malone:
When Gagne was traded to Tampa Bay, that number belonged to Ryan Malone. Gagne was willing to transpose the numbers and wear No.21.
But after Malone spoke with head equipment manager Ray Thill following the trade, Malone said he was willing to give the jersey number to Gagne.
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"Just to see that act from a player that I played against for so many years, but never really met, it just shows the class of the guy,'' Gagne said of Malone. "I hear a lot of great things about him, and just by giving No.12 away shows what kind of a person he is.''
Malone, who will wear No.6 this season, didn't ask for anything from Gagne in return for giving up his number, although Gagne said a meal on the road at some point during the season is on his list of things to pay back the favor.
Class move by Malone to welcome the veteran to the locker room right away. Gagne's earned that kind of respect in the league.
>>Gagne grateful for warm welcome [The Tampa Tribune]
Photo By Len Redkoles, Getty Images