The Edmonton Oilers have placed forward Sam Gagner on waivers for assignment to AHL Bakersfield, according to a team announcement. Gagner is now in his third stint with the Oilers after signing a one-year, $775K contract with the organization back on October 31st.
Nearing the end of his career, Gagner is on his fourth straight contract paying him under $1MM a season. Primarily used as nothing more than a bottom-six forward, Gagner continues to add decent value to whichever organization he finds himself in.
In his last full season back in 2021-22 with the Detroit Red Wings, Gagner put together a 13-goal, 31-point performance over 81 games, finishing seventh on the team in scoring while playing on a one-year, $850K contract. However, it was not enough to earn him a raise on the free agent market, as Gagner had to wait until September 2nd to sign a one-year league minimum contract with the Winnipeg Jets.
Unfortunately, Gagner was used sparingly by the Jets as he only averaged a little more than 12 minutes of ice time per game. Scoring eight goals and 14 points in 48 games, Gagner had his season cut short on March 16th after going down with a hip injury.
Now back in Edmonton for the first time since the 2019-20 season, Gagner got off to a hot start, scoring five goals and 10 points in his first 20 games. Unfortunately, Gagner has now gone scoreless in his last seven games, seeing his average ice time drop by a full minute. With 12 other forwards currently on the active roster, the Oilers are likely preferring more cap space leading up to the deadline rather than Gagner’s recent play.
Gagner is very serviceable, In fact he’s probably the Oilers 8th best forward.
Maybe a WPG reunion
Always wanted to see him play for the Sabres or reunite with Patrick Kane somewhere.
I agree with most of the comments. Too many teams not necessarily the Oilers are big on playing not youth that have earned the opportunity but youth that they need to “give a chance to” more youngsters lose their stock at this time of year compared to ones that build it. A full season playing where they are at is more beneficial for all parties. After deadline 11% of all nhl roster spots are held by non nhl talent. Sad but true that other then the 20 teams in playoff hunt other teams aren’t just unwatchable but shouldn’t even be allowed to be televised. It’s like an auto body shop kicking their mechanics to the curb and replacing them with baristas from Starbucks . Fans need to stop supporting this
Heads up player, makes smart decisions all the time. He is quality on a fourth line.
Brown over Gagner? What is Holland on?
Excellent point! But we can’t upset McDavid, He and Brown are buddies and Edmonton is still paranoid about losing McDavid and or Draisaitl.