The Carolina Hurricanes have released former Edmonton Oilers forward Sam Ganger from his PTO

PUBLICATION

Finnegan Frost
October 6, 2024 (2:15 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Breaking news in Oil Country as the Carolina Hurricanes announce that they have released Sam Gagner from his PTO.

After not being offered a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers during the NHL offseason, The Oilers sent beloved "Papa Oiler" Sam Gagner packing his bags once again. Despite the heartbreak for some Oilers enthusiasts, there was a glimmer of hope for those hoping Gagner would get another chance to play.

The Carolina Hurricanes signed the former Oiler to a PTO, but he ultimately failed to make the team.

According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, Gagner was selected 6th overall by the Oilers in the 2006 Draft, and while he never reached the offensive totals expected of a draft pick that high, he was always a skilled bottom six scorer and an incredible teammate. After leaving the Oilers in 2014, Gagner embarked on a true journeyman career playing for 7 different teams, and returned to Edmonton for three separate stints.

Last season Gagner played 28 games for Edmonton, scoring 5 goals and 10 points. He was a bright spot in the beginning of the year when the Oilers faltered, and became a great locker room presence for the playoff run even though he didn't play.

Although it looks like his longstanding tenure as a player in the NHL could be over, there is a silver lining. According to the Edmonton Journal, the Oilers could be looking at bringing Sam Gagner back to the organization in some capacity.

As per Kurt Leavins the Edmonton Journal, Gagner still hopes to play in 2024-25 and has been skating at his annual Muskoka Hockey camp. There have also been rumblings of Gagner staying with the Oilers in a player development role.

Leavins mentions he has no confirmation of an official hire, but there is credibility to the conversation.

The Oilers are no strangers to hiring former players back into the organization. Take Zack Kassian for example, who was recently hired as the Oilers newest pro scout.

Despite Sam Gagner not making the Carolina Hurricanes, the Edmonton Journal speculates that the Oilers could be making a strategic move to hire Sam Gagner back on the team in some player development capacity. The Oilers should definitely pull the trigger on this. Not only would it be a huge sign of respect to the longtime Oiler, but Sam would be a huge asset to overall player development.