Gagne leaves Bruins after father's cancer diagnosis

Boston, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - Simon Gagne has left the Boston Bruins to tend to his ailing father, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

TVA Sports was first to report the news on Wednesday.

"I have taken a personal leave of absence from the Boston Bruins in order to return home to Quebec to be with my father, who was recently diagnosed with liver cancer. The doctors -- who have been great throughout this whole process -- unfortunately informed us that his cancer is not curable," Gagne revealed in a team-issued statement.

"I greatly appreciate the support and understanding that the Bruins organization and my teammates have given to me and my family since I let them know the news and I look forward to rejoining them when the time is appropriate. Until then, I would kindly ask everyone to respect my family and I's privacy during this difficult time."

After sitting out all of last season, Gagne was in camp with the Bruins on a tryout contract. He was signed to a one-year deal worth $600,000 on Oct. 14 and provided only three goals and one assist in spot duty over 23 games this season.