Sam Gagner Retires

[VainGretzky]

 

[OilerTyler]

Man it doesn’t feel like that long ago he was the young, exciting new kid in town. Ended up playing for seven franchises but he bled orange and blue. Wishing him the best in retirement!

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

I remember when they drafted him, I remember seeing this nervous kid on the blueline for the Joey Moss Cup, Staios gave a tap and said something to him, he made the team and was a legend in his own right.

Best to him and his family. I think he'll eventually make a great coach.

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

 

[The Nuge]

I’ll always have a soft spot for Gags. The guy was all heart

 

[JordanGalhanth]

I remember when Gags was drafted.

It's a shame that he never got to discover his full potential because of the dysfunction he was drafted into. But even in some dark, dark seasons, with very little to cheer for, he still gave us a solid effort night in and night out.

All the best boss!

 

[Canovin]

8 points night Gagner

 

[Forgot About Drai]

Loved this guy. Have his jersey and everything. Was one of the first drafts and prospects I ever followed closely. The hype was real for me haha.

Happy retirement - hope he finds his way back to the org one day.

 

[Paralyzer]

8 points night Gagner

Forever to be seen here.

 

[KlefDown]

Enjoy retirement papa oiler. come join the front office or scouting team

 

[Trafalgar Sadge Law]

Gave us one of the greatest moments in franchise history during our darkest era and a true Oiler through and through. Send him the Cup ring we should've gotten him last year when we win in June.

 

[CornKicker]

always loved the player and the exciting moments he gave us. remember when he was AUTOMATIC in the shootouts?

they should replace dustin schwartz with sam gagner, i know hes never been a goalie but honestly he cant be worse

 

[Da McBomb]

The first real draft pick of the 'modern' Oilers that I was really excited about.

Time flies... congrats on your career Gags and good luck in your future in hockey... you will always be loved here in Etown.

 

[timekeep]

Have fun Sam Gagner in your retirement and the Sens

 

[rboomercat90]

Gagner and Cogliano were fun to watch in their rookie season.

 

[KeithIsActuallyBad]

Everything about Sam was big.

Except his height.

 

[JordanGalhanth]

Gagner and Cogliano were fun to watch in their rookie season.

And now the Gags-Cogs-Nilsson line is officially retired.

 

[rboomercat90]

And now the Gags-Cogs-Nilsson line is officially retired.

I forgot all about Nilsson. It took me a minute to even remember his first name.

 

[Soundwave]

Part of me wishes he had gotten to play in the Final last year. 8 point night was the best part of the 2007-2015 era.

 

[RegDunlop]

...size of the heart in the man
Mr Sam Gagne. Love ya...another always Oiler.

 

[Tobias Kahun]

Man it doesn’t feel like that long ago he was the young, exciting new kid in town. Ended up playing for seven franchises but he bled orange and blue. Wishing him the best in retirement!

I still watch the highlights from this game every so often.

 

[brentashton]

I remember when they drafted him, I remember seeing this nervous kid on the blueline for the Joey Moss Cup, Staios gave a tap and said something to him, he made the team and was a legend in his own right.

Best to him and his family. I think he'll eventually make a great coach.

Staios just hired him for the Sens, in player development. Strong bond they must have. Nice.

 

[rboomercat90]

Part of me wishes he had gotten to play in the Final last year. 8 point night was the best part of the 2007-2015 era.

He should have retired last season. I respected his heart and courage last year in the games he played but he had slowed down so much that he was taking a huge hit in every game and I feared for his safety. Those were just meaningless regular season games. I don’t think he had anything left to offer in a high intensity playoff game.

 

[Spawn]

He never ended up being the player a lot of us thought he'd be after that first incredible rookie season. But he was a heart and soul Oiler from day 1. Loved that he had a couple stints with us to finish off his career.

 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

Had himself a career. All the best Sam.

I first saw Sam Gagner at the Team Canada Junior team camp in his draft eligible year. Watching that camp I had a weird feeling he was going to be an Oiler. He wasn't very good early in the camp but got progressively better as it went along. Seemed like a borderline player to make the national team up to exhibition games against a U Sports All-Star team through which he earned his way on the team. Saw him again his first NHL camp where again he continued to elevate his game against men. Made the Oilers on hard work and a good skill set and a focused pro mentality. Was fortunate to road trip for the Hawks Oilers game where Gagner set the Oilers point record.

Absolute heart of the lion who never cheated on effort. A high character person who loved being an Oiler. His friendship with Joey Moss was special. Was able to adapt his game when his natural skills stalled out over time and pushed through a 1,000 NHL game career. A hockey lifer who is now onto a management career that will channel his hockey intelligence, team aptitude and work ethic to nurture the best out of Ottawa's development process.

Seems incredible to see the Oilers first generation pedigree rebuild players drift into retirement.