Sam Gagner has been an absolute beast over his career, eclipsing the 1,000 game mark that not many players make it to. The fan favourite signed another deal in Edmonton last year and has been an amazing veteran presence to have around.
Most people thought Gagner was set to retire, as he just played one more season after a brutal season ending surgery in the 2022-2023 season. He was very solid for the Oilers with 10 points in 28 games and was a great depth piece for the team. After being pushed out of the lineup after the trade deadline he still has tons of fire left in him, telling Friedman that he has more hockey to play.
Most Edmonton fans would love to see Gagner return to the team, as he is absolutely beloved by the fans and teammates alike. Even though he's getting older in age, veteran guys like Gagner can bring intangible leadership to the team. Gagner has been fantastic this postseason, being caught giving Skinner a pep talk that completely changed the course of his post season.
Veterans like him almost always find a contract somewhere in the NHL, and if Edmonton isn't willing to re-sign him I'm sure some NHL team will. He was on a league minimum deal this year and is expected to ask for the same next season, making him a great fit for almost every team.
