Veteran UFA center linked to Leafs could be preparing to sign elsewhere
We are officially in the dog days of summer and there's still a month to go until training camp begins. Still, even with time counting down on the offseason, there are several teams with moves yet to be made - including the Toronto Maple Leafs.
I'd imagine that it's the Nazem Kadri saga that is holding up the line, with Kadri still *technically* being a free agent, though many are of the mindset that Kadri has already agreed to terms with the New York Islanders and that as soon as the Isles can free up some money, they'll announce their moves. Then, the floodgates should open on the remaining free agent signings and the final round of trades of the summer.
One name who remains available and who the Leafs have had pre-existing interest in is veteran forward and close personal friend to John Tavares, Sam Gagner. As you may recall, a few seasons back, during his time with the Vancouver Canucks organization, Gagner was actually loaned to the Toronto Marlies and played 43 games for them before being recalled by the Canucks and subsequently traded to the Edmonton Oilers, the team with whom he started his NHL journey.
Gagner actually put together a decent season with the Detroit Red Wings last season, racking up 31 points in 81 games in a 4th line role. That sort of Jason Spezza-esque production could come in handy for the Leafs, but the question is now becoming "is Gagner even available?".
Gagner, 33, posted a photo to his Instagram account on Sunday showing a bike in a sauna with an Edmonton Oilers jersey draped over the handle bars. Does this mean that the London, ON native is nearing a deal with the Oilers? Or is the shirt simply an old work out shirt? The placement of the logo, which is half concealed, would appear to be a bit of a teaser. My gut tells me that we'll hear an announcement sooner or later that Gagner will be returning to the Oilers on a one year deal. As a Leafs fan though, my heart is hoping that a return home is in the cards this summer.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 16 | 241 ANSWERS Veteran UFA center linked to Leafs could be preparing to sign elsewhere Where will Sam Gagner play this season? | ||
| Edmonton | 69 | 28.6 % |
| Toronto | 96 | 39.8 % |
| Elsewhere | 76 | 31.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
