Simon Gagne hasn't played since December 26. He's played just two games under Darryl Sutter after the Kings made an in-season coaching change, and he's made just 34 appearances in total during the 2011-12 campaign.
Yet according to multiple reports from Los Angeles, Gagne will be in for Sutter's Kings in Game 3 on Monday night. He'll replace Brad Richardson, and despite initial concerns of an injury, it seems as though the Kings are just opting for some extra scoring punch. Gagne is extremely familiar with the Devils having played most of his career in the Atlantic Division.
Should the Kings win the Cup, Gagne's inclusion in the Game 3 lineup will be enough for him to earn inscription. He hadn't met the criteria -- at least 41 regular season games or one Cup Finals game -- to date.
Stick with SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub for full Stanley Cup finals coverage. For more on the New Jersey Devils, check out Devils blog In Lou We Trust. For more on the Los Angeles Kings, check out Jewels From The Crown and SB Nation Los Angeles.