BOSTON — Bruins winger Simon Gagne has left the team to be with his family.
“I have taken a personal leave of absence from the Boston Bruins in order to return home to Quebec to be with my father, who was recently diagnosed with liver cancer,” Gagne said in a statement. “The doctors — who have been great throughout this whole process — unfortunately informed us that his cancer is not curable.
“I greatly appreciate the support and understanding that the Bruins organization and my teammates have given to me and my family since I let them know the news, and I look forward to rejoining them when the time is appropriate. Until then, I would kindly ask everyone to respect my family and I’s privacy during this difficult time.”
The 34-year-old forward has tallied four points (three goals, one assist) in 23 games for the Bruins.
“It’s tough to say at this point,” Bruins president Cam Neely said Wednesday when asked if the team was preparing for a long-term absence with Gagne. “It’s really going to boil down to where he feels he needs to be.”
Boston recalled forward Craig Cunningham from the Providence Bruins on Wednesday, per the AHL’s transactions page. Cunningham might replace Gagne at right wing on the fourth line. The P-Bruins captain also has the ability to play center.
Seth Griffith skated in Gagne’s spot during Wednesday’s practice.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
