Winnipeg Jets Sign Sam Gagner to 1-Year Contract

The Winnipeg Jets announced on Friday morning that they have signed forward Sam Gagner to a one-year, $750,000 contract.

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The Jets were in the market for a centermen after Paul Stastny chose to sign a one-year deal of his own with the Carolina Hurricanes just over a week ago. Gagner, 33, won’t provide the two-way presence Stastny does, but brings in similar veteran leadership on a cheaper deal. In 81 games with the Detroit Red Wings this past season, he provided solid depth scoring with 13 goals and 31 points while averaging slightly less than 14 minutes in ice time.

Throughout his 967-game career, Gagner has primarily played down the middle of the ice, something he figures to do with the Jets. That said, he has also shown the ability to play on the right side when needed, making him a versatile option in the bottom six for new head coach Rick Bowness.

Gagner’s lengthy career has included many stops along the way. It all began with the Edmonton Oilers, who he spent the first seven seasons of his career with after being selected sixth overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He then went on to spend time with the Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Vancouver Canucks, before making a return to the Oilers for parts of the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. He has since been a member of the Red Wings, and by all accounts has been not only a solid on-ice contributor but a great locker room mentor.

Over his 967-career games, he has scored 184 goals and 505 points, while also accumulating 427 penalty minutes. Despite his lengthy time in the NHL, he has suited up for just 11 career playoff games, during which time he has recorded four assists.

Next: James Neal Headed to Blue Jackets on PTO