Multiple Signs Sam Gagner Returning to the Edmonton Oilers

Fans who know Stauffer know that he rarely drops hints about a player unless there’s something to it. He’s as plugged-in a host as there is when it comes to what management is thinking in Edmonton and he’s often the unofficial bridge between the team and fans, without officially letting anything leak.

Stauffer hasn’t come right out and said the Oilers are signing Gagner to a PTO, but Edmonton just recently brought Brandon Sutter in after not playing hockey for two seasons due to longstanding COVID issues. Gagner would be no worse a gamble than Sutter.

Finally, Gagner has been seen chumming around with the Oilers of late. A recent photo popped up of himself and Leon Draisaitl as the two are clearly chilling during their summer vacation.

Does any of this mean that the Oilers will offer Gagner and contract? No. In fact, they can’t afford to. Every penny they have needs to be allocated for Evan Bouchard’s next deal, which has yet to be finalized. But, if Gagner is unsigned and he wants to keep playing in the NHL, a PTO is the way to go and there’s a very good chance he’s offered the opportunity to make the Oilers out of camp.

Edmonton needs depth for their AHL team and options in the event of an injury. If Gagner were to sign a two-way deal out of a PTO, he’d potentially be a great fit.