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Post by mrtea on Aug 28, 2023 15:52:32 GMT -7
Sam Gagner is back for a third time trying to once again wear an Oilers jersey. I wish Sam luck, he always had good hands and good hockey sense. What he lacked was size and speed, but over the years has learned how to adapt and he has as much adult muscle as he's going to get being in his 30's. I think Sam can bring certain elements to the table like experience and leadership and the ability to play up and down the lineup when in a pinch. Gagner has shown in his career that he is capable of playing with high end skilled players. He's harder to knock off the puck, than when he was younger and if he is physically capable of earning a spot on the team he could be a big asset.
That's the question, is he physically capable of making the team? I hope so, I'd love to see him wear the jersey again. Especially if this is the year the Oilers hoist the cup again.
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Post by sharptooth on Aug 28, 2023 16:25:01 GMT -7
Sam Gagner is back for a third time trying to once again wear an Oilers jersey. I wish Sam luck, he always had good hands and good hockey sense. What he lacked was size and speed, but over the years has learned how to adapt and he has as much adult muscle as he's going to get being in his 30's. I think Sam can bring certain elements to the table like experience and leadership and the ability to play up and down the lineup when in a pinch. Gagner has shown in his career that he is capable of playing with high end skilled players. He's harder to knock off the puck, than when he was younger and if he is physically capable of earning a spot on the team he could be a big asset. That's the question, is he physically capable of making the team? I hope so, I'd love to see him wear the jersey again. Especially if this is the year the Oilers hoist the cup again. I hope he makes the team and starts another fight so we can see what skinner can do in a fight. I think it was Sam who started the Brawl where Smith and Talbot fought. That was a fun game to watch. Actually I still have that recorded so may watch it tonight. |
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Post by Bronco73 on Aug 28, 2023 17:51:18 GMT -7
even making the team is going to be tough for Sam.
I love the guy too, but if he isn't good enough, them's the breaks.
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Post by mrtea on Aug 28, 2023 19:09:23 GMT -7
even making the team is going to be tough for Sam. I love the guy too, but if he isn't good enough, them's the breaks. I totally agree that if he's not good enough then "nice try", but sorry not everyone makes it. Like I said in a previous post, you don't give out contracts on sentimentality.
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Post by windsoroiler on Aug 29, 2023 11:55:34 GMT -7
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Post by yuke on Aug 29, 2023 13:15:41 GMT -7
Sam was the absolute worst defensive center on his first go around here. The guy would do a fly by our own slot area when the team was hemmed in our zone. That guy need not apply. The second round he was better, not great but better.
If his game has turned around then he will need to prove it.
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Post by mrtea on Aug 29, 2023 14:29:45 GMT -7
Sam was the absolute worst defensive center on his first go around here. The guy would do a fly by our own slot area when the team was hemmed in our zone. That guy need not apply. The second round he was better, not great but better. If his game has turned around then he will need to prove it. If he makes the team it's not like he's going to see big minutes or any on the top two lines. With his experience, we know that if he makes the team he is capable of being used in many different roles in case of injuries. I doubt anyone makes the team if they don't prove they deserve it in camp.
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Post by drtaf on Aug 29, 2023 16:12:07 GMT -7
Sam was the absolute worst defensive center on his first go around here. The guy would do a fly by our own slot area when the team was hemmed in our zone. That guy need not apply. The second round he was better, not great but better. If his game has turned around then he will need to prove it. If he makes the team it's not like he's going to see big minutes or any on the top two lines. With his experience, we know that if he makes the team he is capable of being used in many different roles in case of injuries. I doubt anyone makes the team if they don't prove they deserve it in camp. I saw a list of the potential forwards who might snag a 3-4th line spot out of training and in addition to Gagner and Sutter, there's Pederson, lavoie, Caggiula, Grubbe Hamblin and unlikely but possible Malone! I think most if not all of these guys would have to pass waivers, so IDK if Guys like XB or others in Bako have a legit shot if they're waiver exempt? I highly doubt it IMO. After looking at this list, I think Pederson has an inside track to 1-spot and if there is another then Gags or sutter may well have a 50% chance of getting it (IDK much about Grubbe TBH). If others can think of more, feel free to add to the list to discuss but I dont see much there that will blow doors off (and none that would intimidate or bring an x-factor)??
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Post by neufab94 on Sept 2, 2023 3:17:34 GMT -7
even making the team is going to be tough for Sam. I love the guy too, but if he isn't good enough, them's the breaks. I totally agree that if he's not good enough then "nice try", but sorry not everyone makes it. Like I said in a previous post, you don't give out contracts on sentimentality. Sam was a fan favorite, self included. I hope he shows up ready to play and 'earns' a spot. His actual play I think stacks up against Shore, Yamamoto, JP, Pedersen, Caggiula, or Ryan. I am not writing off his chances against last year's failed experiments, or this year's bottom 6 hopefuls. Even if he makes the team, I expect him to spend some time as the 13th forward. He has the maturity and professionalism to handle that well. Hopefully it also pushes the limits of the young prospects. |
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