Former Vancouver Canucks Fan Favourite Sam Gagner Opens Up Regarding His Decision to Retire from the Hockey
A former Vancouver Canucks forward recently opened up regarding his decision to retire from professional hockey and step into a development coaching role in the NHL.
After spending the second-half of the 2024-25 season in the AHL by signing a professional tryout (PTO) with the Belleville Senators, recording ten assists in 19 games, former Vancouver Canucks forward Sam Gagner decided it was time to hang up his skates.
Gagner's retirement was officially announced in mid-May when the Ottawa Senators hired him as their new Director of Player Development.
"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." Senators General Manager Steve Staios said.
Former Vancouver Canuck Sam Gagner opens up on decision to retire
During a recent episode of The Sheet with Jeff Marek, former Vancouver Canucks forward Sam Gagner opened up on his decision to retire from professional hockey after 1,043 games in the NHL.
Gagner told Marek that while he loves playing hockey, he's at a point in his life where he wanted his family to be settled in one location and not have to move around from city to city.
The London, Ontario native added that being able to land a job with the Ottawa Senators while building his hockey school, Muskoka Hockey works very well for himself and his family, giving them some stability.
"Part of me still loves playing, would still want to love that. You know, I think I just got to a point with my family life and kids, I just wanted an opportunity to get them settled in one place.
It worked really well for me that I had been building Muskoka Hockey as I was playing. I finished last year playing in Belleville, had a conversation with Steve Staois about doing something with Ottawa, and it just kind of worked out really well." Gagner said.
It worked really well for me that I had been building Muskoka Hockey as I was playing. I finished last year playing in Belleville, had a conversation with Steve Staois about doing something with Ottawa, and it just kind of worked out really well." Gagner said.
Gagner's time with the Vancouver Canucks was brief, as the 36-year-old suited up in 81 games with them across parts of two seasons, registering 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers for Ryan Spooner.
Source: The Sheet with Jeff Marek
On The Road: Sam Gagner [Episode 1]
On The Road: Sam Gagner [Episode 1]
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
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SEPTEMBRE 16|987 ANSWERS Former Vancouver Canucks Fan Favourite Sam Gagner Opens Up Regarding His Decision to Retire from the Hockey Were you a fan of Sam Gagner during his tenure with the Vancouver Canucks? | ||
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