Rumor: Oilers insider calls for team to bring back former player

The Edmonton Oilers may be without an official general manager, but that won’t keep interim GM Keith Gretzky from being active ahead of the NHL’s February 25th trade deadline. Former GM Peter Chiarelli left the team’s roster in shambles and there’s a LOT of work to be done if this team is going to be a contender again. 

The good news is that with a healthy Connor McDavid in the lineup and with Ken Hitchcock behind the bench, there’s still a possibility that the Oilers make the playoffs this season. But… they’ll need some help.

In his latest column for the Edmonton Journal, Oilers insider Kurt Leavins argues that the team should bring back a familiar face in their pursuit of a playoff spot. The target? Former Oilers forward Sam Gagner, currently in the Vancouver Canucks organization but playing with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on a special assignment.

Check out some of these quotes from Leavins’ column:

The Edmonton Oilers desperately need more secondary scoring as well as an actual right-handed, 3rd Line Center. But they’re on a budget.

Sam Gagner would give the club both. He’s available, he’s looking, and I believe that the Oilers organization has genuine interest in the player. But it takes 2 to tango.

For those who correctly point out that Gagner is down in the AHL today because he is not among Vancouver’s best 12 forwards, I do not disagree. But the Canucks also have superior forward depth than the Oilers. As such, their “bubble” players are probably roster players here.

There’s just one problem. Look… Gagner is an NHL quality player stuck in the AHL due to his contract. He’s worth $3.15 million against the salary cap and that alone has likely prevented another team from picking him up this season. With anchors like Milan Lucic and Ryan Spooner already on the Oilers roster, why would they be interested in taking of Gagner and his $3+ million deal?

Leavins offers up a swap… Gagner for Spooner:

Ryan Spooner makes $4m ($900k retained by the Rangers). Spooner and Gagner’s salaries are almost identical and each has a full year left. The change of scenery could help both clubs and both men. But the Oilers should not give up much more than that. Even if they had the space, Gagner at this point in his career is what he is.

Hmmm… in theory a great idea, but I don’t see the Canucks going for a deal like this. What would they have to gain really? If Gagner can’t nail down a roster spot, then Spooner is likely in the same boat. Add in the fact that the two divisional rivals are vying for the same Wild Card spot and Leavins’ plan falls apart even further.

Good idea though… if there’s anything the Oilers need it’s more former Oilers players…