The Flyers announced the acquisition of the 30-year-old 6'4'', 215-pound defenseman Monday afternoon.
Club General Manager Paul Holmgren explained the move by saying, "This was a move to solidify our defense." Holmgren went on to say, "Matt Walker is a right shot defenseman that we like. He brings size, grit and toughness to our backend. Simon Gagne played 10 seasons for the Flyers and was not only a good player for us, but also handled himself in a first class manner on and off the ice."
Gagne, 30, was selected by the Flyers as the 22nd pick overall in the first round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He has spent his entire NHL career with the Flyers. In his 10 seasons with the franchise, he has produced 259 goals and 265 assists for 524 points and 278 penalty minutes in 664 career regular season games. Gagne recorded 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in 58 regular season games this past season. He had an additional 12 points (9 goals, 3 assists) in 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games, helping he Flyers to the Stanley Cup Final.
According to the Flyers, Gagne ranks ninth on the Flyers' all-time list in goals and 10th in points and games played. Not to mention the fact that he is placed fourth in both goals and points among left wings in Flyers history.
The Flyers' newest addition, Walker, appeared in 66 games during the regular season for the Lightning, recording five points (2 goals, 3 assists) and 90 penalty minutes.
"My initial reaction was pure excitement," said Walker. "To find out that I was coming to Philly, I don't know if I would say it was a life-long dream, but I've always wanted to play in Philly and I thought I would be a good fit there."
Walker has split time over parts of seven seasons in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks and the Lightning. He has recorded 30 points (4 goals, 26 assists) and 444 penalty minutes in 304 career regular season games, plus two assists and 14 penalty minutes in 21 career Stanley Cup Playoff games.
