Sam Gagner Re-Signs With Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings announced on Saturday that they have signed 31-year-old center Sam Gagner to a one-year contract extension. The deal is reportedly a one year / one-way contract worth $850,000.

Related: Red Wings Could Make Big Pitch for Jacob Markstrom

The #RedWings today signed center Sam Gagner to a one-year contract extension. pic.twitter.com/p6UylW071Y

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 26, 2020

Gagner joined Detroit at the NHL Trade Deadline this past season, coming over as part of the deal with the Edmonton Oilers that sent Andreas Athanasiou to Edmonton. In 10 games, Gagner posted only one goal, but played a significant role on special teams.

A center who has been in and out of the NHL over the past few seasons, Gagner signing a contract before free agency officially kicks off is a good deal for both sides. With so many potential players shaking loose in a tight cap market, fringe players might have had a tough time finding work. Gagner secures himself another deal and won’t have to worry about landing with a team this offseason. Gagner said of the deal, “It was great talking to Steve through this process and I’m excited to get back and get going and show what I’m capable of as a player.”

At the same time, the Red Wings get a little more stability down the middle, didn’t spend much to secure that stability and Gagner has proven to be quite flexible in a number of roles.

What’s Next for the Red Wings?

A rebuilding team, there are a number of guesses as to what the next steps for the Red Wings will be. GM Steve Yzerman could hit free agency with a ton of cap space and go after names like Torey Krug, Jacob Markstrom and others. Or, he could remain patient and build through the draft.

The team has a number of expiring contracts so there is a lot to do between now and the middle of October. One thing is for certain, Yzerman is just getting started with the Gagner deal.

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