Report: Sam Gagner To Sign A Deal "Any Day Now"

 

16-year NHL veteran Sam Gagne is hoping that third time's a charm with the Edmonton Oilers. According to NHL Insider Chris Johnson, he will be signing a deal with the Oilers' American Hockey League affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, "any day now."

The 34-year-old has spent training camp on a PTO with the Oilers, and is still in limbo, while awaiting the contract offer. 

Gagne had double-hip surgery in the offseason and was held to practices only during camp, not playing in any preseason games. The Oilers planned to re-evaluate him after a month of watching his progress. And that 30 days is up.

He was originally drafted 6th overall by the Oilers in the NHL Draft in 2007, so this would be a homecoming. Again, that is. He had another stint in Edmonton between the 2018-19 season and '19-'20.

Gagner is a top candidate to act as the Oilers’ 13th forward if he makes it back up to the big club. Last season, he posted eight goals and 14 points in 48 games with the Winnipeg Jets, averaging 12 minutes per night. 

Photo:  Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports