When Bobby Clarke heard that the Boston Bruins were willing to move Ray Bourque prior to the trading deadline, he was on the phone in a flash.
The Philadelphia general manager offered his counterpart some spare parts in hopes of acquiring the legsndary defenseman and improving the Flyers' post-season chances. When the Bruins requested Simon Gagne in exchange, Clarke laughed.
"I didn't even consider it," Clarke later told reporters. "(Gagne's) the Future of this franchise."
That's quite a label to place on a 19-year-old kid, especially one who plays on a team with Eric Lindros.
Then again, anyone who's watched the 6-0, 175-pound center work his magic during his rookie campaign could have made the same decision.
As hockey fans and collectors know, Gagne has been one of the biggest surprises in the game and hobby this year. His 20-28-48 totals ranked him fourth among rookies, and positioned him as one of the top prospects in the NHL.
His offensive credentials were established when he notched 50 goals and 120 points in 1998-99 for the QMJHL Quebec Remparts. Still, there were concerns about his size and ability to handle the NHL's punishing 82-game schedule. With that in mind, Gagne slipped to the 22nd slot in the first round of the 1998 draft.
Though disappointed, Gagne turned to his idol, Joe Sakic, for inspiration.
The Avalanche superstar, taken 15th in the 1987 draft, also slipped in the rankings due to his size (5-11, 185 pounds). But, Sakic quickly demonstrated that he was big enough to be a force in the league, posting seven seasons of 90-plus points and leading the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup in 1996.
"I've always looked at him as a good example," Gagne says. "He started playing when he was 18 or 19 like me. He's not that big, but he's fast, an he plays the style I'd like to play in the future."
He's well on his way. Gagne's rookie totals closely mirror those of Sakic's first season (23-39-62), but they don't even begin to describe his success.
"He's been so consistent," says
Flyers' scout, Brian Propp. "He's developed his game so quickly. We didn't want to demand too much from him too soon, but his play has exceeded a of our expectations."
Even Gagne is a bit surprised by his good fortune. "When I started playing with this team, I wasn't thinking I
would stay the whole season," he says. "I just wanted to stay in the lineup as long as possible."
His early play ensured that he wouldn't have to worry about a trip back to juniors. He dazzled his bosses with his speed and creativity. A burst of offense in December even earned him the NHL Rookie of the Month title.
Although offense was what got him drafted, Gagne maintained his position with defense. His skills made such an impression upon the coaching staff that they placed him on the second penalty kill unit when Jody Hull missed some time in February.
"When the coaches sent me out on the penalty kill, I tried to do my best," says Gagne. "Penalty killing is the
toughest part of the game, but I like to play defensively, and I try to play the game the coach wants me to play."
Nothing breeds success like success. As Gagne thrived in short-handed situations, he found increased offensive
opportunities.
"His confidence level soared after he was placed on the penalty kill," says Propp. "He could see that the coaches have confidence in him in any situation, and that helped his overall play."
Collectors put their confidence in Gagne much earlier. Interest in his Rookie Card, 1997-98 Upper Deck #411, grew it from a 10-cent common to a $5 prospect by the time training camp started. Then it exploded to $10 within weeks of the season opener. As his sole RC, the UD card remains the focus of collectors.
"lt didn't take long to see that he was something special," says Gagne collector Steve Ritzos. His moves and energy really stood out. You could tell he was going to be a star."
While Gagne's standing has improved in the hobby, he also feels it's improved on the rink.
"I'm more comfortable on the ice now," he says. "I try to make more plays. I try to keep the puck a little more. I've learned to trust myself"
Gagne's teammates have watched him mature into a well-rounded athlete. "He's worked hard and it's paid off," says teammate John LeClair. "He's gotten better all year long."
While Gagne had a great season, he knows he's just scratching the surface.
"It seems like I learn one new thing during every game and practice," he says. "Everyone has helped me to become better. I owe it to them to do whatever I can to help the team win.
Thanks to the faith placed in him by Bobby Clarke, he'll be helping the Flyers do just that for years to come.

Heather Susanne is a freelance writer based in Toronto. Beckett staffer Torn Layberger also contributed to this report.