Way too soon for this stuff guys.
Oilers always start off pretty good. I'm not going to make any judgements until 15~20 games into the season.
Gagner's improved play was pretty predictable. He worked very hard on his skating last off season and started well before suffering an ankle injury.
He may look like he is working harder but he is just faster. This allows him to be more involved in all areas and his improved productivity is a natural result.
If he can keep this level of speed up, this is the real Sam Gagner and that is not too bad.
I like him a lot this year. He looks faster, more focused and much better defensively. I still think he has a pretty soft shot, but he is finding ways to get the puck through and it's causing a lot of trouble for opposing teams. I like his game so far! I'd love it if he finally broke 50 pts, but with the shortened season that would be really impressive.
I really don't think Gagner is all that faster. I think people are just having the veil lifted from over their eyes. Most of the things people are praising him are skills some posters were arguing last season were developing. Most criticisms of Gagner were due to needing a scapegoat and impatience. The start he's having really shouldn't be all that suprising.
He is really looking solid, I keep thinking he looks like a vet out there. I would lock him up to a 4.5 mill year long term deal. hopefully he would take a discount and go for 4 mill per year long term.
I really don't think Gagner is all that faster. I think people are just having the veil lifted from over their eyes. Most of the things people are praising him are skills some posters were arguing last season were developing. Most criticisms of Gagner were due to needing a scapegoat and impatience. The start he's having really shouldn't be all that suprising.