Flyers' Gagner: 'I want to be part of things'

Scratched along with fellow veteran Vincent Lecavalier through the Philadelphia Flyers' first two games, newly acquired forward Sam Gagner hopes he'll get a chance to contribute soon.

"I want to be a part of things," Gagner told reporters Sunday. "I definitely feel like I can help, so it's frustrating. I want to be out there helping my team. To not be able to, it's not fun, but hopefully (Monday) and hopefully I get a chance to do that."

The 26-year-old could only watch from the locker room as his team was steamrolled by the Florida Panthers 7-1 on Saturday. The day after, he practiced on a line with Sean Couturier and Brayden Schenn, though head coach Dave Hakstol hasn't announced whether this will be a permanent change.

"I haven't made any lineup decisions yet," the rookie bench boss said. "It's too early."

Gagner was acquired in a draft-day trade with the Arizona Coyotes and despite recording four points in six preseason games, it wasn't enough to crack Hakstol's lineup.

"I felt like I played pretty well (in preseason)," Gagner said. "The production was there. I don't really know what to say."

The earliest he can make his regular-season debut will come Monday in Philadelphia's rematch at home against the Panthers.