Value of: Will Sam Gagner get a contract ?

[bossram]

He can still cut in the NHL. Unfortunately many of these mid-tier, fringe veterans seem to be getting bumped out the league, like Versteeg and Boyes. They can still play though, and are likely to help a team more than some 4th line fodder many still employ.

 

[Horvath Broncos]

I think he should and will go to Europe. He has all the skill and tools to be very good player either switzerland or in KHL.

 

[leaflover]

I think he should and will go to Europe. He has all the skill and tools to be very good player either switzerland or in KHL.

After seeing Versteeg head across the pond it wouldn't surprise me.
I know if I had to choose between the two for an NHL job it would be Versteeg.

 

[Bryanbryoil]

His agent tweeted that Gagner is likely headed to Europe

Not a surprise to me in the least. I was livid when MacTavish handed out that massive 3 year deal to him. That was our time to sell high on him and MacT blew it.

This makes sense. I always liked him, but watching him as a Flyer was frustrating. He has great skill, but no speed or strength. He can make amazing plays on the PP, shootouts etc, but he can't EVER get the puck off the other team. He can't play D even when he tries to, and he did. Sad but true, there's the cautionary tale of putting a guy in the NHL before he was fully developed and he never did. I wish him well, he can be a star in Europe.

Skating and strength can be worked on in any league. It comes to a point where a player is either unwilling or unable to get faster/stronger and they just are what they are. Regardless the guy made a ton of money and is still under 30 so I'm not shedding any tears for him, best of luck to him in Europe.

 

[Paul4587]

Got a feeling he could end up in Anaheim. We have no bottom 6 to speak of and no money to sign anyone so can see him signing here for peanuts. Not that I want that to happen.

I really wish our owners would spend some money. We are some decent bottom 6 forwards away from being a very good team.

 

[newdublinsensfan]

I can see an offensively challenged team sign him to a one year contract for around a mil. In spite of the knocks against him he does have offensive skills and when you look at his point production over the years it is actually pretty decent. I do remember the 8 point outing he had. I could see New Jersey or Carolina sign him. Why not Anaheim or LA, Minnesota perhaps?

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

He's the kind of guy I wish the Devils would take a chance on.

 

[xECK29x]

Our RW depth is so poor and he is tight with JT, I'd give him a shot on our 2nd/3rd line

 

[RangerRick61]

Maybe they should add Sergei Kostitsyn too......

This obsession with re-uniting jr lines needs to end. it drove me insane with all the trade ideas around the draft around Matthews, to get Dvorak and Tkachuk.

From what I remember the rumours were to get Dvorak and OEL. From watching many London Knights games, Dvorak and Marner have unreal chemistry. It wouldn't be the worst move to have them together while bringing a #1 D into the picture. At the same time, keeping Matthews (#1C) is something the organization NEEDED to do.

I can see value in both sides.

 

[Curufinwe]

He's the kind of guy I wish the Devils would take a chance on.

That would make a lot of sense. He wouldn't even have to move.

 

[beowulf]

I think Europe for a year would do wonders for his career.

Problem with that is that sometimes players go for a year and teams seem to almost forget them.

Dude should be in the NHL, he never became the huge scorer that was expected of him but he is a solid enough producer and still only 26.

 

[wuf]

He's the kind of guy I wish the Devils would take a chance on.

I was just thinking this. I think he can find a team where he could be used effectively. I don't particularly think Hakstol did that while he was here in Philly, but then again we weren't looking to him to step up.

 

[MikeK]

He'll get a tryout or a $1M and under deal around training camp from a team who needs to fill a spot. Otherwise his best chance is in Euro. I don't see too many teams willing to give up a roster spot for him though. I personally don't think he's all that special and feel he's easily replaceable.

 

[He Is Knocking]

I really liked what Sam did towards the end of the season. He seemed to find his niche in Hakstol's game plan. He didn't produce considering his cap number but can envision a scenario where a team that signs him at the right price would be happy with the job he does.

 

[nomorekids]

Like Cody Hodgson last year, his best bet is to catch on with a dirt cheap contract on a team with a spot or two to give him a shot.

But also like CoHo, I expect him to flounder and end up out of the league a year later.

 

[Homesick]

Problem with that is that sometimes players go for a year and teams seem to almost forget them.

Dude should be in the NHL, he never became the huge scorer that was expected of him but he is a solid enough producer and still only 26.

He's still 4th in scoring from his draft year
I hope he catches on with someone this season

 

[seafoam]

I could see him getting a PTO with NYI as insurance in case Barzal doesn't make the team.

NYI could use another right handed shot in their top nine and Tavares and Gagner are close. At 26, he would be a Garth Snow dumpster dive special.

 

[voxel]

Like Cody Hodgson last year, his best bet is to catch on with a dirt cheap contract on a team with a spot or two to give him a shot.

But also like CoHo, I expect him to flounder and end up out of the league a year later.

Lol... I've been ragging on CoHo for years... and Sammy Snowpants... but Gagner >> Hodgson

Gagner has a strong work ethic and a good attitude. He does has good defensive awareness (better than CoHo - who looks lost) but he's just weak on the puck and slow skater so he's often outmuscled.

 

[ManofSteel55]

I was thinking, "this is the kind of guy that walks into a cheap deal and wins a cup".

Has skills and speed. Needs consistency. He lacked necessary leadership necessary to grow as an NHLer. Still really young, too.

Gagner doesn't have speed.

 

[CSKA1974]

Got a feeling he could end up in Anaheim. We have no bottom 6 to speak of and no money to sign anyone so can see him signing here for peanuts. Not that I want that to happen.

I really wish our owners would spend some money. We are some decent bottom 6 forwards away from being a very good team.

He is not a bottom six forward in traditional way

 

[Bryanbryoil]

He's the kind of guy I wish the Devils would take a chance on.

Give him a one way deal for league minimum, if he stays as a PP specialist great, if not then down to the farm.

 

[McFlyingV]

wut??

Have you ever seen him play?

Lol this. Sam is not fast in anyway, but he has decent agility and a beautiful set of hands.

 

[Seedling]

Can't see it. Versteeg is in Europe. Gagner will be there soon too.

 

[newdublinsensfan]

Let's not forget the guy scored 8 points in one game...against Chicago!!

 

[JimmyTwoTimes]

500k 6 year deal