Former Oiler Sam Gagner Given Final Chance For Pro Hockey Comeback
Edmonton Oilers forward Sam Gagner has been off the ice for a long while now, but will be making his return to pro hockey representing Team Canada in the Spengler Cup.
Gagner was not re-signed by the Oilers this summer, despite the veteran forward claiming that he wants to continue his playing career.
Team Canada has announced their roster for the Spengler Cup, beginning on December 26th, which will feature Sam Gagner.
Now 35 years old, Sam Gagner has long been a fan favourite for Oil Country, and even a few more teams in his journeyman career.
Sam Gagner earns final chance to showcase for contract on Team Canada
The Oilers drafted Gagner 6th overall in 2007, and he went on to play 1043 NHL games with 7 different teams - including three stints in Edmonton.
Gagner was signed to a professional trust contract by the Carolina Hurricanes this season, but unfortunately was cut at the beginning of the season despite scoring 4 points in 4 games.
Gagner was a decent player for the Oilers last season too, scoring 10 points in 28 games and being a lone bright spot at the beginning of last year. After Corey Perry was acquired, the Oilers just didn't have a need for him, but Gagner stayed around the team as a locker room presence.
It's still possible that Gagner earns an NHL contract this year, and this stint at the Spengler Cup may be the last chance to extend his career.
Gagner has recently been ranked the top available forward free agent that a team could sign for a veteran in the playoffs.
The Oilers have simply no space for him, but perhaps another contender in need of a bottom six center like the Colorado Avalanche could be an option - if Gagner impresses at the Spengler Cup. A European contract may be more likely.
Fans may not care too much about the Spengler Cup, but watching and cheering for Sam Gagner making one final push at an NHL job is something any Oiler fan can get behind.
It's incredible to see him still so driven to play the game he loves, but if not progress is made this year, it's hard to imagine another comeback attempt next year.
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