Los Angeles Kings forward Simon Gagne has been cleared for contact but is not close to returning to game action, according to general manager Dean Lombardi.
Gagne is a "long way from playing" according to Lombardi, and will not be with the Kings in Arizona for Game 2 Tuesday night (TSN, 8:30pm et/5:30pm pt). He's currently skating with the Kings' prospects/Black Aces and does not have a timetable for returning to full practice.
Gagne has been out of action since suffering a concussion on Dec. 26.
The 32-year-old signed a two-year, $7 million deal with the Kings last summer. In 34 games this season, he had seven goals and 10 assists.
The Kings hold a 1-0 series lead over the Phoenix Coyotes in the Western Conference Final.
