Seasoned NHL veteran with over 1,000 games under his belt earns PTO with a top Eastern Conference team

Gagner, with over 1,000 games played, joins the Carolina Hurricanes after spending last season with the Edmonton Oilers and their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors.

Gagner's long and storied career has seen him suit up for several teams, including the Oilers, Detroit Red Wings, Winnipeg Jets, Vancouver Canucks, Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, and Columbus Blue Jackets. Known for his consistency as a bottom-six center, Gagner has racked up impressive stats over his 18 NHL seasons, playing in 1,043 games and recording 197 goals and 332 assists for a total of 529 points.

Last season, Gagner appeared in 28 games for the Oilers, tallying 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points. He also contributed in the AHL, scoring 3 goals and 6 assists for 9 points in 15 games with the Bakersfield Condors.

The Carolina Hurricanes, who have established themselves as one of the Eastern Conference's top contenders, are in need of depth following several notable departures. Forwards Jake Guentzel, Stefan Noesen, and Teuvo Teravainen all left in free agency, and the Hurricanes suffered another major blow when Jesper Fast sustained a neck injury in the final game of the 2023-24 season, sidelining him for the entirety of 2024-25.

Gagner's PTO represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for Carolina as they look to reinforce their forward group. Given his experience and ability to contribute offensively from a bottom-six role, Gagner could provide valuable support for a team that has consistently reached at least the second round of the playoffs since 2021-22.

While Gagner's exact role with the Hurricanes remains uncertain, his versatility and veteran experience make him a strong candidate to fill gaps in Carolina's lineup. The team's desire to continue their deep playoff runs will benefit from the addition of a player who understands what it takes to succeed in the NHL