Ric Tapia/Associated PressSimon Gagne watches play during the second period of a regular season game against the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 25, 2011.LOS ANGELES — Left winger Simon Gagne was expected to return to the Kings’ lineup Monday from a concussion that has sidelined him since Dec. 26.
Gagne’s speculated return, which went unconfirmed by Kings Coach Darryl Sutter because it arose after he spoke at a morning news conference, would take place in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals here against the Devils. The Kings lead the series, 2-0.
Gagne, 32, missed the last 46 games of the regular season and all 16 playoff games after being checked into the boards by the Coyotes’ Radim Vrbata.
He had 17 points in 34 games, but otherwise has been a consistent high scorer in his N.H.L. career, recording 47-, 41- and 34-goal seasons. He spent the first 10 seasons of his career with Philadelphia before being traded to Tampa Bay for 2010-11 and then signing with the Kings as a free agent last off-season.
He scored his first goal as a King against the Devils’ Martin Brodeur on Oct. 13.
Gagne appeared in the 2010 Stanley Cup finals, which the Flyers lost to Chicago, but has yet to win a Stanley Cup.
Gagne is expected to join the fourth line, replacing Brad Richardson, who has one goal in 13 playoff games.
Devils Coach Peter DeBoer said Monday morning the Devils would make no lineup changes.
“Just because you lost, you’re in a 2-0 hole, you don’t make changes just to make changes,” DeBoer said. “I don’t think we’re at that point. We don’t need to panic.”