Oilers fan favourite Sam Gagner continuing playing career on tryout contract

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Liam McCormick
August 26, 2024 (5:17 PM)

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Sam Gagner is now 35 years old and still free agent a few weeks before training camp, but he is going to get another chance at a season in the NHL.

According to a new report from Edmonton Journal writer Jim Matheson, Gagner has received multiple offers for a tryout contract, and will be joining a team at least for their training camp.

Unfortunately, there just isn't room in Edmonton for Gagner to come back for another season. The veteran only played 28 regular season games last year, and only appeared a few times after the team acquired Corey Perry. Gagner was still effective in limited minutes, scoring 5 goals and 10 points last year. Over his career, the former 6th overall pick of the Oilers has played 1043 career games with 7 different teams, registering 529 points.

For any team looking for a depth veteran scorer and a locker room presence, Gagner is a great candidate for a tryout contract. Several rebuilding teams would likely be interested to fill out their bottom six, but perhaps Gagner's holding out to see if a contending team will show interest. His hometown Toronto Maple Leafs could be in the market for a cheap veteran depth forward, perhaps there's a fit there.

Sam Gagner is a beloved player by Edmonton Oilers fans. Fans have watched him since he was a high end prospect, then becoming a journeyman scorer and returning to the team that drafted him two separate times. He became a fantastic person for the locker room, staff, and fans, especially including his relationship with the late Joey Moss. Wherever Gagner goes next in his career, Oilers fans will wish him the absolute best.

Source for Gagner stats: HockeyDB