One of the best stories of this Oilers' season was the return of veteran fan favourite Sam Gagner, but now it sounds like he'll be leaving the team in free agency.
Now 34 years old, Gagner doesn't have any plans to retire yet. He wants to continue playing next year, but realistically, there isn't any ice time left for him on the Oilers. A few days ago on Instagram, Gagner posted what looked to be a goodbye and thank you message to the Oilers for this year, along with some photos.
Gagner earned a roster spot with the Oilers this season after signing a tryout contract in training camp, and was a fantastic depth forward for the Oilers in the first half of the season. In 28 games he scored 5 goals and 10 points, all seeming to come at clutch times. When the Oilers signed Corey Perry, Gagner's role was pretty much eliminated, and he rarely played after.
Gagner has now played 1043 NHL games with seven different teams, scoring 197 goals and 529 points. He's always been a phenomenal person and leader in the dressing room, and can still provide depth scoring today.
Although it will be tough to see him go, Oilers fans should be cheering for the journeyman Gagner to get another shot in the NHL. After being drafted 6th overall by the Oilers back in 2006, it's been incredible to watch Gagner age as a depth skill player, and return for three total stints as an Oiler. Whatever team that signs Gagner will be lucky to have him, but if nobody wants him, hopefully the Oilers can hire him in an off-ice role.
