Former Oiler Fan Favourite Released from Tryout Contract

Former Oilers fan favourite Sam Gagner has been released from his tryout offer with the Carolina Hurricanes, according to new reports.

Now 35 years old, Gagner was battling to keep his NHL career alive in Carolina, but had a tall task to make a stacked Hurricanes forward group. Gagner's only hope to continue his career is that another team was impressed with his training camp, and wishes to bring in the veteran center.

Earlier this offseason, Gagner said that he wants to continue playing as long as possible. Unfortunately, it looks like the end of the line now.

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.

Even if his playing career ends now, Gagner may return to the Oilers in another capacity. According to Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal, the Oilers have offered Gagner a job in player development. If he's beginning his next chapter off the ice, it'd be great to bring Gagner back home to Edmonton.

Whatever Gagner chooses to do next, Oilers fans will be behind him entirely. If this is retirement for the small talented centreman, plenty of Oilers fans will raise a toast to his career tonight.

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