In my ongoing series analyzing the Edmonton Oilers’ roster performance from this past season, we take a closer look at each player’s contributions to the team. This installment focuses on Sam Gagner, whose season was short but impactful.

After undergoing hip surgery during the offseason, Gagner started his return on the ice with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors to regain his form before rejoining the Oilers. His participation in the NHL was limited to just 28 games, yet Gagner leveraged this time effectively, scoring 10 points, with nine achieved during 5v5 play.

Despite the minimal ice time, Gagner demonstrated exceptional scoring efficiency. He ranked third in goals per hour behind teammates Zach Hyman and Adam Henrique, and fifth in points per hour, trailing only Oilers’ stars Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, as mentioned earlier, Hyman, and Warren Foegele. These figures underscore a missed opportunity; Gagner arguably could have been utilized more extensively, although he wasn’t a candidate for power play or penalty kill situations.

The Oilers did see plenty of positive metrics with Gagner on the ice: they led in shot attempts, scoring chances, and expected goals. However, they were outscored 12-10, a stat primarily tied to a subpar .886 on-ice save percentage during his shifts. His performance yielded mixed defensive and offensive results, subtly below par in offense compared to league averages, yet above average in defense as per hockeyviz.com.

Primarily, Gagner saw action during November and December, before concluding his year on December 21, right as the Oilers embarked on a 16-game win streak. Throughout the time Gagner played, the Oilers had a mixed record of 14-15-1, nearly breaking even with 104 goals for and 103 against.

As the playoffs and Stanley Cup Finals approached, Gagner took on a secondary role, remaining mostly an extra forward. His experience and demeanor in handling setbacks and challenges, as discussed during the Stanley Cup Finals, marked a significant personal evolution and provided value “in the room” despite lesser on-ice contributions.

Currently unsigned as of early August, it appears Gagner’s path ahead in the NHL might be confined to a depth role given his previous season’s sporadic play. Yet, his veteran presence and mature perspective on overcoming adversity may just tip the scales for another team to take a chance on him.

Thus far, alongside Gagner, players such as Warren Foegele, Ryan McLeod, and Sam Carrick have been reviewed. More player analyses will follow as we dissect the Oilers’ dynamic yet challenging season.