Oilers fan favourite Sam Gagner finally speaks out difficult decision, new job in NHL
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Oilers forward Sam Gagner has finally spoken up about his retirement decision, and new job with the Ottawa Senators as Head of Player Development.
After one final attempt at an NHL job with two tryout contracts in the 2024-25 season, Gagner finally decided to hang up the skates at 35 years old - but the journeyman is still giving back out of pure love for the game.
Sam Gagner continues Muskoka Training Camp for star NHLers
Gagner organized the Muskoka Hockey camp and program in 2020, and has trained himself and numerous star NHLers at the facilities. It's been a quickly-growing facility since, and has attracted plenty of NHLers in Cottage Country of Ontario in the summers.
This summer's attendees include Mitch Marner, Bo Horvat, Ryan McLeod, and much more. Even Kevin Bieksa has assisted with the coaching.
It's incredible to see Gagner continue his passion for the game by helping other players at the highest level improve their skills.
After 1043 NHL games with 7 different teams, Gagner officially announced his retirement in May of this year to take his position as Head of Player Development in Ottawa. His experience at Muskoka Hockey and clear passion for teaching landed him the role.
Sam Gagner speaks on retirement, new job with Ottawa Senators
Speaking in an interview earlier this summer, Gagner relayed pure excitement for his new role with Ottawa, but still said it was a difficult choice to retire.
We've moved around a lot. And as much as I wanted to continue to play, and I still felt like I had a lot to offer as a player, I thought it was important to just get rooted somewhere.
I think a lot of people look at player development like it's something that can only be done when you're young. And then, once you're a pro, it's like that's who you are. I think that I've proved over the course of my career that's not the case.
It's something I'm really passionate about. I like seeing guys improve. I like seeing guys get better.
- Sam Gagner
I think a lot of people look at player development like it's something that can only be done when you're young. And then, once you're a pro, it's like that's who you are. I think that I've proved over the course of my career that's not the case.
It's something I'm really passionate about. I like seeing guys improve. I like seeing guys get better.
- Sam Gagner
Gagner finished his NHL career with a 28 game stretch back with the Oilers, the team that drafted him 6th overall back in 2007. He'll be remembered throughout the NHL as a skilled player who loved the game and always gave his best effort - and who gave back to the community particularly in Edmonton. It's great to see Gagner thriving in a role that's perfectly suited for him.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 27 | 334 ANSWERS Oilers fan favourite Sam Gagner finally speaks out difficult decision, new job in NHL Do you think Gagner should've been hired by the Oilers? | ||
| Yes | 239 | 71.6 % |
| No | 95 | 28.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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