Oilers coach Knoblauch clearly not impressed with veteran forward

At 34 years old and once again returning to the Edmonton Oilers, Sam Gagner has had a bizarre season to this point. He's been incredibly effective when he's given limited opportunities on the fourth line, scoring 5 goals and 10 points in 22 games. However, ever since Corey Perry entered the lineup, Coach Knoblauch seems entirely disinterested with playing Gagner.

Tonight once again, Gagner will be scratched in favour of Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark.


Knoblauch's decision to consistently be scratching Gagner is puzzling considering the other options. The other two wingers currently occupying the fourth lines do have minor contributions on the penalty kill, but have been complete black holes offensively. Connor Brown is being outscored by actual goalies across the league, and Mattias Janmark's only goal bounced off his chest. Gagner has proven to be far more useful offensively and adequate defensively to take their place, and yet he's still scratched.


Gagner got into the Oilers last game against the Red Wings while Janmark swapped out, but Janmark will be back in again tonight.

With the Oilers also reportedly looking for a fourth line forward to add in trade, it simply doesn't make sense that they're not playing their best fourth line forward, instead playing two players who have combined for one goal all season.