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Philadelphia Flyers: The Case For Sam Gagner

By Wes Herrmann

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When the Philadelphia Flyers acquired Sam Gagner in a largely salary-dumping deal with the Arizona Coyotes, most figured the 26-year-old center was a throw-in that would be bought out.

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Instead general manager Ron Hextall decided to keep Gagner and his $3.33 million contract in the fold.

With the summer practically over and rosters set, the former Edmonton Oiler is the only new forward that will definitely be in the Flyers lineup at the start of the season, barring any injury.

And while most thought Gagner was a goner from the moment he was acquired, there’s actually reasons to be optimistic about the Flyers’ newest forward.

Move to right wing

After the draft day trade, Gagner’s former general manager, Arizona’s Don Maloney, had some harsh words for the player, saying “At the end of the day we just didn’t think he could play center at the National Hockey League level for us.”

However, Gagner was moved to right wing during the season and ended up scoring 41 points (15G, 26A) in 81 games; the most by any forward on the Coyotes roster last season.

With the Flyers’ depth at center, Gagner figures to slot in on a wing again, whether it’s left or right who knows yet, but with strong centers in the lineup, Gagner should benefit.

The 5-foot-11 forward also has no problem with playing on the wing:

"“While I still like to play at center, the move was good for me,” he said. “This gave me a chance focus on creating chances and not worrying about face-offs. Also, this helped me to really focus on my game.”– Sam Gagner, The Hockey Writers"

No longer center of attention

Most will think that Gagner is heading into more pressure in his move from Glendale, Arizona to Philly, but he should receive a lot less in the Flyers’ organization.

Feb 21, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Sam Gagner (9) shoots as Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Jason Garrison (5) defends during the second period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Gagner was expected to be a first-line center with the Coyotes and be a main force for the offense. In Philadelphia, he’ll be a secondary scorer behind names like Claude Giroux, Jake Voracek and Wayne Simmonds. If he puts up 40 points this year (or sixth-most on the team last year), it will most likely be considered a positive rather than a negative.

And there will most certainly be less pressure on Gagner than during his time in Edmonton where he was considered a bust after being drafted sixth overall in 2007 by the team.

Shootouts

This is no longer a secret in Philly or anywhere else in the NHL: Sam Gagner is excellent at shootouts.

He has a career record of 19 for 62 (30.6%)and adds one more weapon in a shootout lineup that hasn’t been able to do much in the recent years for the Flyers.

And even if Gagner doesn’t pan out completely, he’s on the last year of his contract. Right now, Gagner is a low risk-high reward player for the Flyers.

Next: Should the Flyers Trade for Jeff Skinner?

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