Oilers legend Sam Gagner: eyeing another NHL season or a new role?
Just 48 hours ago, Sam Gagner, the revered Oilers veteran and an indelible part of NHL history, marked his 35th birthday with a reaffirmation to continue his hockey career.
Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal detailed yesterday how Gagner is actively preparing for the upcoming season, managing his usual off-season regimen at the Muskoka Training Camp. Amidst these preparations, there are whispers of a potential off-ice future for him with the Edmonton Oilers, specifically within their player development department.
Drafted sixth overall in the 2007 NHL Draft by the Oilers, Gagner has assembled a noteworthy career spanning 1043 games, characterized by his role as a proficient offensive depth forward. Over ten seasons-dispersed across three different tenures with the team-Gagner has become a fixture in the Oilers' lineup.
His journey also included stints with the Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, and the Winnipeg Jets. Accumulating 197 goals and 529 points, Gagner's playoff appearances have been limited, playing in only 11 postseason games.
The future holds several possibilities for Gagner. While his tenure last season comprised only 28 games, with limited action following the acquisition of Corey Perry, his prospects of playing in the upcoming season lean towards a professional tryout with a team in rebuilding mode, rather than a return to the Oilers' roster.
Should Gagner opt to hang up his skates, his potential transition into a developmental role within the Oilers organization seems not only fitting but beneficial. His longstanding relationship with the team and the city could offer invaluable insights and mentorship to budding players.
Gagner's legacy with the Oilers is not just built on his play but also his persona. Beloved by fans and teammates alike, his possible shift from the ice to a role behind the scenes speaks volumes of his dedication and affection for the sport and the Oilers community. Whether on the ice or off, Sam Gagner's influence on hockey and particularly on the Edmonton Oilers is poised to endure, enriching the fabric of the team and its future stars.
Source: Edmonton Journal
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| POLL | ||
Is there a chance Sam Gagner will return for another season? | ||
| Yes | 18 | 45 % |
| No | 22 | 55 % |
| See Results | 0 | 0 % |
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