BREAKING: Ex-Flyer makes desperate move in hopes to save his NHL career

Sam Gagner's bond with the Oilers stretches back to his selection as the sixth overall pick in the 2007 draft. In his initial stint, he skated in an impressive 402 games, showcasing his scoring prowess with 88 goals and 158 assists, totaling 246 points. The 34-year-old made his triumphant return to the Oil Country during the 2018-19 season, contributing to 61 games with 10 goals and 12 assists, accumulating a solid 22 points. However, his journey took a twist as he was traded just before the 2020 trade deadline.

Gagner's journey through the league paints a colorful picture, spanning different cities and jerseys. From Arizona (2014-15) to Philadelphia (2015-16), Columbus (2016-17), Vancouver (2017-19), Detroit (2020-22), and most recently Winnipeg (2022-23), the seasoned athlete has etched his mark in 1,015 games across an impressive 16 NHL seasons. Throughout this period, he's racked up 192 goals and 327 assists, amassing a notable 519 points. On top of that, he boasts an average of 15 minutes and 46 seconds of Time on Ice (TOI) per game.

As the Oilers prepare for the upcoming season, the return of Gagner and Sutter injects a sense of familiarity and experience into the team.