Breaking News: Hurricanes Set to Bolster Roster with Edmonton Forward Sam  PTO

Breaking News: Hurricanes Set to Bolster Roster with Edmonton Forward Sam  PTO

The Carolina Hurricanes are on the verge of adding seasoned forward Sam Gagner to their roster through a professional try-out (PTO), according to PuckPedia. Gagner, who has carved out a notable 17-season career in the NHL, initially made waves with the Edmonton Oilers in 2007 after being selected sixth overall in the NHL Draft. His potential new opportunity with the Hurricanes marks a chance to continue his storied career, potentially with an eighth NHL team.

Gagner burst onto the NHL scene at the tender age of 18, making an immediate impact with 13 goals and 49 points as a rookie. Over the next decade, he solidified his role as a dependable second-line forward, contributing consistently despite frequent team changes. His career saw him move across various divisions, including stints with the Pacific and Metropolitan Divisions. Throughout these transitions, Gagner proved to be a valuable asset, often filling crucial roles during periods of lineup instability.

However, Gagner’s career has not been without its challenges. Injuries have been a persistent issue, with the 2021-22 season being his only full campaign since 2016-17. His most recent season was cut short due to double-hip surgery in March 2023, which led to him missing a significant portion of the 2022-23 season. Despite this setback, he managed to play in 29 games and contribute 10 points, showcasing that he still has the ability to make an impact when healthy.

While Gagner’s role in the NHL has evolved, his experience remains invaluable. Over the past 82 games stretching back to the 2021-22 season, he accumulated 27 points. Though this is a far cry from his peak production years, his extensive experience and veteran presence could offer significant benefits to a team like the Hurricanes. His track record includes playing over 1,000 games in the NHL, which speaks to his resilience and adaptability.

The Hurricanes’ interest in Gagner reflects their desire to add depth and experience to their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season. If Gagner can demonstrate his fitness and form during the training camp, he may secure a contract that would allow him to contribute to the team’s efforts in the 2024-25 season.

For Gagner, this PTO represents a critical opportunity to prove that he still has more to offer at the NHL level. With a history of being a reliable contributor and a wealth of experience, he could potentially provide the Hurricanes with both leadership and performance, if he can stay healthy and regain his form. As he heads to Carolina’s training camp, all eyes will be on him to see if he can secure a spot on the roster and continue his NHL journey.
JMG