Former First Round Pick and Jets Forward Signs with New Team
The Winnipeg Jets played host to veteran Sam Gagner for one season back in 2022/23, and now, he's pushing for an NHL return after signing an AHL professional try out.
With the influx of young talent into the NHL as of late, there's been less and less room for veterans in the league, with many stuck in the AHL or heading overseas to play somewhere in Europe.
Now however, a former Winnipeg Jets forward is getting another opportunity to push for an NHL return, as Sam Gagner has now signed an AHL professional tryout with the Belleville Senators, the affiliate of the Ottawa Senators.
The 35-year old was a first-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers way back in 2007, and since that point he's played for the Oilers, Coyotes, Flyers, Blue Jackets, Canucks, Red Wings and ultimately, the Jets before a return to his first team in 2023/24.
In 2022/23, Gagner played a key depth role for the Jets and their Stanley Cup Playoffs push, tallying 8 goals and 14 assists in 48 games played, but with so few spots remaining, he couldn't find a new team this past summer.
The 35-year old has played in an incredible 1,043 games throughout his career, and with one assist in two games with Belleville since signing on Friday, he's now becoming a genuine candidate to push forward for a return to the NHL.
Ultimately, Gagner has put together a great career for someone that he never been an elite producer, posting 197 goals and 529 points over that time, and while many believed he wouldn't get a shot at the top level again, it's safe to say that he could be a genuine help for Ottawa this season as they look to push for a return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
