Oilers Sign Sam Gagner

[Thrillhouse]

The Edmonton Oilers have signed centre Sam Gagner to a three-year NHL entry level contract.

The 5’11”, 191 pound native of London, Ontario was the Oilers first choice, sixth overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Gagner has made an impression on the Oilers coaching staff and fans with his play during the NHL pre-season. He scored two goals and was +1 in five games with the Oilers.

Oilers General Manager, Kevin Lowe is excited about the signing of Gagner. “We are very pleased to add this exceptional young man to our hockey club. In a short period of time, Sam has demonstrated what it takes to be a professional and has conducted himself with the utmost respect. Sam is going to be a great asset for the Edmonton Oilers and the game of hockey.”

Gagner was named the MVP of the recently completed Summit Series between the Canadian and Russian national junior teams. He led all scorers in the eight-game series with fifteen points on six goals and nine assists, leading Canada to a 7-0-1 series victory.

Last season with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League he scored 35-83-118 in 53 games to average 2.23 points-per-game, finishing third on the Knights scoring list and fifth in the OHL. He was second in scoring among OHL rookies behind teammate Patrick Kane, who led OHL scoring with 62-83-145 in 58 games.

Named the OHL Player of the Month for October 2007, Gagner was the youngest member of the gold medal winning Team Canada at the 2007 IIHF World Junior Championship in Sweden. He participated in the 2007 CHL Top Prospects game and was a member of Western Conference All-Stars at the OHL All-Star Classic, scoring a goal and four assists.

Gagner comes from a strong hockey bloodline as his father, Dave, played 15 seasons in the NHL from 1984-85 to 1998-99.