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Gagne trade rumors had circulated throughout the offseason, but a move was believed to be in limbo because of uncertainty about where Ilya Kovalchuk would land. The trade was announced several hours after Kovalchuk said he was returning to the New Jersey Devils, though Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman called the timing “totally coincidental.”.

Yzerman said that he and Flyers GM Paul Holmgren began talking about possible trades at the draft. The Lightning were looking to add another top-six forward and said Gagne will be a good fit.

“I like his all-around game,” Yzerman said. “He plays in all situations: power play, penalty kill, even strength. He’s a responsible defensive player. He has speed and can score goals.”

Gagne played his entire career with the Flyers, recording 259 goals and 524 points in 664 games. He ranks ninth on the all-time Flyers list for goals, 10th for points and 11th for power play goals (72). He topped 40 goals in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, with a career-best 47 in the first season.

Last season, Gagne needed hernia surgery and was held to 17 regular-season goals. But he scored nine playoff goals as the Flyers reached the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1997. His return from a broken toe in Game 4 of the second round was crucial to the Flyers’ overcoming a 3-0 series deficit to the Boston Bruins.

Gagne, 30, had to waive a no-movement clause to facilitate the trade.

“I’m really looking forward to playing with guys like (Vincent) Lecavalier, (Steven) Stamkos and (Martin) St. Louis,” he said.

Yzerman said he’s aware of Gagne’s injury history — also a concussion-shortened season in 2007-08 — and pointed out the broken toe is something that could happen to any player. He said Gagne will be motivated next season to prove he’s healthy.

“I’m comfortable that he’s healthy now,” Yzerman said, “and will start the season healthy. … I believe he’s over all the injuries that he’s had in the past.”

The 6-4, 215 Walker appeared in 66 games for the Lightning last season, recording two goals, three assists and 90 penalty minutes. The Flyers have been beefing up on defense this offseason, trading for Andrej Meszaros and signing Sean O’Donnell.

“This was a move to solidify our defense,” said Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren. “Matt Walker is a right shot defenseman that we like; he brings size, grit and toughness to our back end.”

Walker, 30, is signed through the 2012-13 season at a cap hit of .7 million a season. Losing that contract — and earlier Meszaros’ million cap hit — will give Yzerman flexibility when he has to negotiate a new deal with Stamkos after this season.

Gagne, who makes .25 million, becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season. Trading Gagne allowed the Flyers to get back under the salary cap.

“Gagne played 10 seasons for the Flyers and was not only a good player for us, but also handled himself in a first-class manner on and off the ice,” Holmgren said.