Former Oilers fan favorite performing well on tryout, could earn NHL contract due to injuries
It was revealed on X that former Edmonton Oilers fan favorite Sam Gagner has settled in with his new team in the AHL, the Belleville Senators as the organization signed him to a PTO.
Gagner, has been an unrestricted free agent since 2023-2024 when the Edmonton Oilers chose not to offer him a contract and restore his two-way deal.
The 35-year-old tried to land a contract with the Carolina Hurricanes prior to the opening days of the season and was unsuccessful but was able to travel with Team Canada in the 2024 Spengler Cup.
Gagner trying to keep his hockey career alive with PTO
Sam Gagner is performing well with the Senators farm team, and with the NHL club currently decimated with injuries, it's possible they sign him to an NHL contract and call him up.
Gagner can still be an offensive threat in the bottom six, and a needed locker room leader on a very young Sens team in the playoff hunt.
It's become clear that the Ottawa Senators need forward help as many of their players are on injury and unable to play. It's safe to say that general manager Steve Staios will likely offer him a contract of a two way nature prior to the NHL trade deadline as a way to add to his depth and veteran leadership.
Gagner and Oilers share a long history together
Gagner was drafted in 2007 by the Oilers, 6th overall and had played his first seven seasons of his career with the Oilers.
- Sam Gagner
After his departure, he had gone to several teams including the Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks, the Red Wings and the Winnipeg Jets. He also spent three different stints with the Oilers as he's truly enjoyed playing for the organization and the city.
In his career, he has scored 197 goals with 332 assists for 529 points.
