‘An Oilers legend and a bright spot during a dark time for Edmonton’: Fans celebrate Sam Gagner’s NHL career, new role with Senators

The Edmonton Oilers selected Sam Gagner with the sixth overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft. After 1,043 games in the league, the 35-year-old is hanging up his skates to move into a player development role with the Ottawa Senators.

He may not have won hockey’s ultimate prize during his playing days, but Gagner did become one of the most beloved players to don an Oilers jersey. Being a light during the decade of darkness. Following his retirement announcement, fans online shared their feelings about the news and their memories of him as a player.

“I’m not crying, you’re crying. #Papaclutch. Feeling so blessed we got to see him as an Oiler one last time last year. Thanks for everything, Sam Gagner. #89, the only jersey I own, and forever my favourite player.” – driftingOILERS via X

“I still vividly remember watching the NHL Draft as a kid and Sam Gagner looking so excited to be an Oiler. Loved it so much he decided to be one three different times. Thanks for the memories, Sammy!” – NHLGoldenEra via X

“I love Sam Gagner, I was in the arena for his 8-point game and it was one of the few bright spots I can remember from that era. By far the best game I’ve ever seen live, nothing even comes close.” – Sausagehobbit via X

“Enjoy retirement Gags, really hope you are part of the #LetsGoOilers organization in some way down the road.” – Raghu Sharma via X

“THANK YOU TO THE PLAYER THAT MADE ME FALL IN LOVE WITH HOCKEY!!! ALL MY HOMIES LOVE SAM GAGNER!!” – Leashadwag via X

“Sam Gagner officially retired. An Oilers legend and a bright spot during a dark time for Edmonton. His 8-point night will live on forever but his first back game in his third and final stint when he scored 2 goals might be my favourite Gagner moment. All the best to Papa Oiler” – OilersAdam via X

“I remember once I saw Gagner in the Anaheim airport with my friend but we didn’t want to disrupt him, so I think we kinda just stared at him and he waved at us and that was the coolest thing to me. I love you forever Sam Gagner.” – thatcb28fan via X

Sam Gagner created many memories with his beautiful shootout moves and that iconic eight-point night in 2012. While he didn’t put up an excessive amount of points and goals, Oilers fans still fell in love with him, not just for his silky hands, but for his work ethic, perseverance, and attitude. He oozed class on and off the ice.

In 2023, during his third stint with the Oilers organization, he appeared on the Nation Real Life Podcast, where he expressed his strong desire to stay actively engaged in the sport of hockey, even after hanging up his skates. He emphasized that his passion for the game goes beyond playing and that he envisions a future where he can contribute to the sport in various capacities, whether in coaching, mentorship, or management. His commitment to remaining involved underscores his deep love for hockey and his determination to give back to the community that has shaped his career.

“It is something I am passionate about. When I’ve gone to different teams, I try and help out younger players, the best I can. The way I kind of look at it is, I’ve added so much to my game in the last few years, so why does the development ever have to stop? I’m trying to learn new things at my age. If I can pass that along, then great, I’m doing it in the summer now with Muskoka. We’ve got a good group of pros that are training and skating up here, then we’re running some youth camps, and I help out with that too. It’s something I really enjoy doing. I just love the game and I want to be involved in it as much as I can and anyway I can help the next generation of players, great.”

Gagner has not publicly commented on his retirement yet. He only shared the Ottawa Senators’ social media post about his new role in his Instagram story, which announced that his playing career has come to an end.

He played 570 games with the Edmonton Oilers. As he starts this new chapter of his career, fans hope he can return to the organization in the future.