Kings F Simon Gagne cleared for contact

Los Angeles Kings forward Simon Gagne has been cleared to resume contact, but he is not close to joining the team, according to the LA Kings Insider.

Gagne is "a long way from playing -- needs to get hit," Kings general manager Dean Lombardi said.

The 32-year-old winger has not played since suffering a concussion on December 26th against the Phoenix Coyotes.

In just his first season with the Kings Gagne recorded 17 points (7 goals, 10 assists) in 34 games played. He is under contract with the Kings for one more season at $2.5 million.