Confirmed with Link: Oilers sign Brandon Sutter and Sam Gagner to PTOs

[Bryanbryoil]

9th in points, 6th in games played from that draft class
I think this team needs more character guys, not less. A Matty Hendricks or a Devin Shore. With Shore and Yams out, could probably go with another one, and Gagner has been and probably could be that player. Still think that the room missed him the year we went and got AA/Green instead.
Unbelievable if he could come in and contribute, but even as a plug and play 20 game forward, can't imagine he's worse than Pederson. It's not as if we're swimming in RH shots

Edit: Gagner numbers. I forgot that Brandon Sutter was also that draft class - 19th gp, 21st pts.

What I would give to have a prime Matt Hendricks for our 4th line right now.

 

[ZJuice]

What I would give to have a prime Matt Hendricks for our 4th line right now.

What was the name of his shootout move again? The stunner? E: The Paralyzer!

 

[tiger_80]

Well its not like he was out of the league or anything like in the past. The guy has been up in the show, just got hip injury last year. Thats the question mark. For those not familiar Sam Gagner is erasing age about as much as Derek Ryan is. They look similar. Neither two quick but Sam has a lot more heft than people will remember. He can play 4th line, he can play any line. I liked what Sam looked like in Detroit. They liked him as well and he was of course helpful in the room.

He's got more than 1,000 regular season and only 11 playoff games. He's just not good enough to be on a playoff team. Edmonton during the decade of darkness, the lowly Arizona Coyotes, or the bottom feeding Canucks is his normal habitat))) They should be going after a player who fills a need: pks, wins faceoffs, provides some grit. Gagner provides none of that.

 

[Soundwave]

I think

Kane McDavid Brown
RNH Drai Hyman
Foegele McLeod Ryan
Holloway Sutter Janmark

Will be the forwards unless Sutter just bombs the camp ... normally there would be space for a 13th forward like Gagner, but we don't have the cap room for that.

So like can he be a member of the Condors but hang around Edmonton? I thought the NHL was clamping down on teams doing stuff like that.

 

[tiger_80]

I think

Kane McDavid Brown
RNH Drai Hyman
Foegele McLeod Ryan
Holloway Sutter Janmark

Will be the forwards unless Sutter just bombs the camp ... normally there would be space for a 13th forward like Gagner, but we don't have the cap room for that.

So like can he be a member of the Condors but hang around Edmonton? I thought the NHL was clamping down on teams doing stuff like that.

That's a good line-up if Sutter makes the team. There's also Pederson, Caggiula and all the young players. Will be interesting to see who sticks.

 

[McTedi]

I think

Kane McDavid Brown
RNH Drai Hyman
Foegele McLeod Ryan
Holloway Sutter Janmark

Will be the forwards unless Sutter just bombs the camp ... normally there would be space for a 13th forward like Gagner, but we don't have the cap room for that.

So like can he be a member of the Condors but hang around Edmonton? I thought the NHL was clamping down on teams doing stuff like that.

Forward depth is fine, hoping for improvement on the back end and between the pipes. Having Gags and Sutter on PTOs helps push a competitive camp.

 

[VainGretzky]

He's got more than 1,000 regular season and only 11 playoff games. He's just not good enough to be on a playoff team. Edmonton during the decade of darkness, the lowly Arizona Coyotes, or the bottom feeding Canucks is his normal habitat))) They should be going after a player who fills a need: pks, wins faceoffs, provides some grit. Gagner provides none of that.

Do you really think a player with over 1000 games in the best league in the world with 1000's of players year in and year out vying for his job? Reason why Gm's kept him on the roster as well as coaches . Now out of all the players in the history of the league how many have over 500 pts .

 

[tiger_80]

Do you really think a player with over 1000 games in the best league in the world with 1000's of players year in and year out vying for his job? Reason why Gm's kept him on the roster as well as coaches . Now out of all the players in the history of the league how many have over 500 pts .

Well, we know why they kept him on the Oilers. They sucked, he was the "great hope," and they could not sign any quality free agents. It is telling that once the Oilers put together a decent team they immediately traded Gagner. Actually, not once but two times.

 

[VainGretzky]

Well, we know why they kept him on the Oilers. They sucked, he was the "great hope," and they could not sign any quality free agents. It is telling that once the Oilers put together a decent team they immediately traded Gagner. Actually, not once but two times.

so 2 other teams were interested in him and 7 in total,, look he was never a star but a serviceable player I doubt having A 16 year 1000 game veteran on a PTO is nothing but positive, and I can see him being in hockey operations like his dad when his playing career ends

 

[Victor000]

I must admit I didn't feel too good about this, other than it's a PTO so no commitment has been made yet, but you guys are winning me over. I've liked Gagner more over the years than I thought of his as a player. He was too small and couldn't play defense, and his offensive contributions were not enough to outweigh those liabilities. If he has gotten stronger, that;'s great, but it sounds like his health is an issue. Hopefully, he's gotten better defensively, because they need more of that in the bottom 6. I think ya'll can see why I have mixed feelings about this. Always liked the guy, but no so sure about his game.

 

[Perfect_Drug]

With Gagner, I like the feel-good story more than I like the player.

My big issue between Gagner, Sutter, and Caggiula is relatively poor showing in the playoffs in really small sample sizes.

We're a lock for the playoffs. We need guys that can elevate not shrivvel during a 7 game series.

I want some cup winning pedigree or veterans who have positive playoff experience. Not 3 players with 1500 NHL games and 5 playoff goals.


Seriously? Why not Hagelin or Stastny?

 

[JordanGalhanth]

Seriously? Why not Hagelin or Stastny?

Hagelin hasn't played since the end of 21-22 and has a combined 21 goals in the past four seasons. He also hasn't played over 80 games since 17-18. At age 35, he's probably all but done.

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

Hagelin hasn't played since the end of 21-22 and has a combined 21 goals in the past four seasons. He also hasn't played over 80 games since 17-18. At age 35, he's probably all but done.

Yeah, it's unfortunate for him, but Hagelin looks ike he's in a similar place to Donskoi, where a retirement accountment might drop in the coming weeks.

Stastny is a flasher name than Gagner, but I don't know he's been any more effective.

Frankly the Oilers did good here imo, the Canes have given PTOs to Perlini and Cory Conacher(remember him)

 

[Trafalgar Sadge Law]

Sam Gagner led all Wings in pk minutes in 21-22 season. he plays pk now, lots. People have kind of slept on the roles Sam has evolved to fill.

Sammy also played PK his last couple years here during the first stint. His salary just got ahead of his ability level is all.

 

[Perfect_Drug]

Yeah, it's unfortunate for him, but Hagelin looks ike he's in a similar place to Donskoi, where a retirement accountment might drop in the coming weeks.

Stastny is a flasher name than Gagner, but I don't know he's been any more effective.

Frankly the Oilers did good here imo, the Canes have given PTOs to Perlini and Cory Conacher(remember him)

You might be right, but I see the scoring coming from depth players on cup winning teams, and it doesn't seem like our PTO crew has that in them.

Gagner has never scored a playoff goal. We're gonna need him to pot 5 if we're serious about going for the cup.

I cant speak for Sutter, but neither Gags nor Caggs have a playstyle conduisive to scoring anything in the post season.

 

[joestevens29]

You might be right, but I see the scoring coming from depth players on cup winning teams, and it doesn't seem like our PTO crew has that in them.

Gagner has never scored a playoff goal. We're gonna need him to pot 5 if we're serious about going for the cup.

I cant speak for Sutter, but neither Gags nor Caggs have a playstyle conduisive to scoring anything in the post season.

How does our 13th forward need to pot 5 goals? Vegas had 8 guys do that. Florida had 5.

We need Hyman, Kane, Nuge and Brown to actually put some pucks in the net. Yes I know Brown wasn't here last year, but he's a guy that you should be banking on 5 goals not Gagner.

 

[McSomnii]

Personally speaking, I'd prefer that the Oil stayed away from retreads, but there's little doubt in my mind that Gagner's still better than the likes of Devin Shore as a fill-in #13 forward. Not sure I'd care for him being any more than that with Edmonton, however.

 

[Lacaar]

What I would give to have a prime Matt Hendricks for our 4th line right now.

Honestly he'd be the best thing for this team. I think the Oilers biggest weakness is their immaturity.

They do stupid things, have no.. like no gamesmanship what so ever. Leon's tap on the shins right after scoring a goal to put us on the penalty kill. Darnell Nurse suspended.. AGAIN.

Their inability to start a season, a game, a series with any determination, confidence, and control. Overtime nerves.

This team has to manufacture desperation before you can see the best of them.

If they grow the f*** up.. put on their work hats on and find a way to deal with their nerves. Put their noses down and stop bitching about calls etc. I don't think there's a team that can stop them.

 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

Yeah, it's unfortunate for him, but Hagelin looks ike he's in a similar place to Donskoi, where a retirement accountment might drop in the coming weeks.

Stastny is a flasher name than Gagner, but I don't know he's been any more effective.

Frankly the Oilers did good here imo, the Canes have given PTOs to Perlini and Cory Conacher(remember him)

Stastny's a 55.7% face-off guy over the past five years while Gagner is predominantly a winger. More consistent point producer and also has a 118 games of playoff experience. I think there's substance over flash. Sam is a known quantity to the organization though and willing to work for 'free' on a PTO to earn a spot. Though he's kind of more an overlap to the converted winger Ryan.

I like Gagner's heart and character. Though I see more utility in Stastny's game but no indication he would take an unsecured tryout in Edmonton or possibly anywhere. Beyond those two player types, Edmonton could use some size and heaviness in their bottom six for the marathon playoff series they aspire to roll.

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

Stastny's a 55.7% face-off guy over the past five years while Gagner is predominantly a winger. More consistent point producer and also has a 118 games of playoff experience. I think there's substance over flash. Sam is a known quantity to the organization though and willing to work for 'free' on a PTO to earn a spot. Though he's kind of more an overlap to the converted winger Ryan.

I like Gagner's heart and character. Though I see more utility in Stastny's game but no indication he would take an unsecured tryout in Edmonton or possibly anywhere. Beyond those two player types, Edmonton could use some size and heaviness in their bottom six for the marathon playoff series they aspire to roll.

Fair on size in the bottom-6 (you're assumption about him taking a PTO is probably also correct), though that can likely be acquired throughout the year or toward the deadline.

Chicago has a hand full of guys who fit that mold, Detroit's got 1, Arizona has a couple, Philly has a couple and the Ducks do as well. Some extra size and meat is good, but hardly a serious pressing concern at this point.

 

[joestevens29]

Like offer sheets just because you want a guy doesn't mean he has to sign a PTO with you.

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

Personally speaking, I'd prefer that the Oil stayed away from retreads, but there's little doubt in my mind that Gagner's still better than the likes of Devin Shore as a fill-in #13 forward. Not sure I'd care for him being any more than that with Edmonton, however.

He's not the answer to anything, because he doesn't have to be. He's an improvement on a 13/14th forward, or that's the hope/plan I suspect.

 

[joestevens29]

Wild I was looking to check out pre-season schedule for some reason.

Same schedule as last two years pretty much. 8 games same 4 opponents, lol.

WPG, CGY, SEA, VAN

 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

Fair on size in the bottom-6 (you're assumption about him taking a PTO is probably also correct), though that can likely be acquired throughout the year or toward the deadline.

Chicago has a hand full of guys who fit that mold, Detroit's got 1, Arizona has a couple, Philly has a couple and the Ducks do as well. Some extra size and meat is good, but hardly a serious pressing concern at this point.

Agree with you in terms of priority. We'll see how training camp and early season with guys like Holloway and Lavoie who is a wildcard. I liked Kostin's heavy game with functional toughness and skating/skills. A similar veteran support guy in terms of play style and attributes at deadline would be good.

My higher priority/need is a versatile veteran 4C with face-off and strong defensive abilities optimally with a greasy/engaged play style who can complement a developing McLeod. Oil will score. Can they ... will they commit to equal work rate to defend is the question they need to answer.

 

[duul]

Two interesting personal stories with the PTO offers. I'm intrigued by Brandon Sutter's attempt to come back after long covid and feel if he can there is a very good prospective right shot defensive specialist. Sam Gagner is like a good literary novel coming full circle to prospectively close out his NHL career where it began with so much promise. Incredible to think that he is a 1,000 game NHL player with only 11 career playoff games. No doubting his character but how is his foot speed, defensive play to cover the bet as an end of roster player.

Two high character, twilight veteran team guys. No harm to see if either have anything left in the tank to help this hopeful Cup challenger team. One thing I haven't really seen this summer though is the supposed NHLers wanting to play on a winner in Edmonton and willing to take a cut to do so.

This has never and will never be the case. There are enough contenders in the league that people will opt to play in America or on a coast. The only reason anyone would take a 'discount' to play here would be on a one year deal during a cap hellish COVID situation in hopes to catapult their value with McDrai and then flee. We saw it with Barrie and Kane, and now Brown. All guaranteed to play with one of the two best centres in the league for one season at a time, or on the PP. All of them coming in and then exploring free agency trying to find a bigger pay day. Luckily teams smartened up and realized the McDrai effect for a guy like Barrie gives them an extra 50 points a year they aren't getting anywhere else. Barrie led all NHL defencemen in points and didn't sniff Norris votes. It will be the same for Bouchard. Now you have to wonder how valuable Bouchard actually is. Is he a better defender than Barrie? A better skater? I don't think so, and Barrie is at best a middling guy, preferably used as a PP specialist. So what's Bouchard? He is fulfilling the same role Barrie did with a similar skill set.

Barrie was a cap dump for us essentially. We moved him along with two first round picks in order to move enough salary to get Ekholm. Erik Karlsson went for significantly less, despite being the Norris winner. Yes I understand the variables with timing, salaries, etc. The point remains that in all likelihood Bouchard will be one of the top scoring defencemen in the league this year. That's practically a guarantee. Does that make him a top pairing defenceman? It didn't make Barrie one, not even close, so how will we evaluate him?

Went off track a bit there, but what I'm trying to say is that nobody is ever going to come here taking less money to win a Cup. They might come here claiming that, when in reality they will finish up the season on a one year deal, test free agency with their padded stats, and go from there. There is no loyalty among these mercenary types. Barrie and Kane both tested free agency and were turned away by the bigger brain clubs who knew their statlines were byproducts of getting fed the most prime minutes in the league. I like Kane as a player when he is healthy, and at his salary that's a good deal, however it's telling that no other club was offering him more.

We'll never see a guy like Patrick Kane sign here on a min league deal to try and win a Cup. Or anyone really, when there are teams like Vegas and Florida and Tampa who are not only better but in way nicer climates. A tale as old as time.