Former Canucks Fan Favorite Announces Life Changing News After Retiring from the NHL
Photo credit: Sportsnet
A former Vancouver Canucks forward and fan favorite has decided to retire from professional hockey after 17 seasons in the National Hockey League.
Earlier this year, after going all summer and fall unsigned, former Vancouver Canucks forward Sam Gagner signed a professional tryout (PTO) with the American Hockey League's Belleville Senators, affiliate of the Ottawa Senators.
Prior to signing his PTO, Gagner captained Canada at the Spengler Cup, which set him up for a pretty strong stint with Belleville, where he registered ten assists in 19 games and this week, he's made a big decision regarding the future of his hockey career.
Sam Gagner retires after 17 NHL seasons, lands development role with Ottawa
On Thursday morning, the Ottawa Senators announced that they've named Sam Gagner as their Director of Player Development, putting a close to his on-ice career in professional hockey.
"Ottawa Senators are pleased to announce the hiring of Matt Turek as general manager of the Belleville Senators, Sam Gagner will take on the role of director of player development with the Senators." the Senators said.
Ottawa Senators General Manager Steve Staios says that the organization is happy to have Sam Gagner begin the next chapter of his career with them, calling the 35-year-old a "true character individual."
"Sam had an incredible career as a player and we look forward to launching his next chapter. A true character individual, Sam has contributed to the success of his organizations, both on and off the ice." Staios said.
Gagner, a native of London, Ontario, was drafted sixth overall in 2007 by the Edmonton Oilers and went on to appear in 1,043 NHL games with them, the Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets.
In 81 games as a member of the Vancouver Canucks between the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, Gagner recorded 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists), 39 penalty minutes and was a minus-21.
Previously on CanucksDaily
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MAI 15 | 735 ANSWERS Former Canucks Fan Favorite Announces Life Changing News After Retiring from the NHL Were you a fan of Sam Gagner during his time with the Vancouver Canucks? | ||
| Yes | 324 | 44.1 % |
| No | 411 | 55.9 % |
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