Veteran Oiler forward likely playing final game before retirement

Yesterday afternoon, the Oilers made the roster move to call up Sam Gagner from the AHL Bakersfield Condors. After returning to the Oilers this year on a PTO, tonight Gagner will likely play his final NHL game before retirement.

The 34 year old forward was drafted sixth overall by the Oilers way back 2007, and went on to have a 1000+ game career with 7 different teams. With limited options in free agency this summer, Gagner joined the Oilers on a tryout contract with a hope to make the team. He played 27 incredibly productive games this year, scoring 5 goals and 10 points, but the addition of Corey Perry left no room for Gagner. Now it's looking that tonight could very likely be the final game for Sam Gagner.




As soon as the Oilers brought Gagner back on the tryout contract, several insiders reported it's an avenue towards hiring him in a hockey operations role. Sam's father Dave Gagner is a prominent player agent in the NHL, and is well connected to Oilers President Jeff Jackson. It looks very likely that Sam Gagner will retire at the end of this year and move into another job with the Oilers. It's bittersweet to see fan favourite veteran players go, but plenty of Oilers fans will be happy to see Gagner retire with the team, and it's what Sam wants too.



Gagner isn't the only Oiler in the organization nearing a decision on hanging up the skates for good. Longtime Condors captain Brad Malone announced his retirement today, and Derek Ryan has noted earlier in the season that he will be having discussions with his family, despite being under contract next year. Both Gagner and Ryan could be in the lineup for the last time tonight - and Oilers fans will cheer their hearts out for them.