The Detroit Red Wings signed pending free agent centre Sam Gagner to a one-year extension this morning. This contract carries him through the end of the 2020-21 season, whenever that may be.
The #RedWings today signed center Sam Gagner to a one-year contract extension. pic.twitter.com/p6UylW071Y
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 26, 2020
Sam Gagner Extended By Red Wings
Over his 13-year NHL career, Gagner has played for the Edmonton Oilers, Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Vancouver Canucks in addition to the Wings. He has put up 164 goals and 295 assists for 459 career points in 844 career games. He was originally drafted in the first round, sixth overall of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Oilers.
Last season he scored six goals and seven assists for 13 points split between the Oilers and Red Wings. He also added 12 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 51.3 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 3.4, real decent numbers overall.
What This Means for the Future
Gagner’s showing in Detroit last season wasn’t exactly spectacular, with only one goal and a -7.3 percent relative Corsi during his time there. However, a six-game sample size on one of the worst teams in recent memory shouldn’t be held against him as he moves forward. At 31 years old, Gagner has at least two or three more solid seasons left in the tank. While he was expected to return to the Oilers this offseason due to his long history with the city, he’s apparently decided to try to make it work in Hockeytown.
From Detroit’s end, they retain some offensive depth for a roster that desperately needs it. With names like Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm falling off the wagon, Gagner’s cheap cost and value-effective production could prove impressive for Detroit this year. 20 points is probably a realistic expectation for Gagner over a full season. The Red Wings make it work here overall with a low-risk, potentially high-reward move.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
