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Oilers, Gagner avoid arbitration -- agree to three-year, $14.4 million contract

Sam Gagner

Sam Gagner #89 of the Edmonton Oilers is congratulated by teammates Ryan after Gagner scored a goal against the San Jose Sharks in the second period at HP Pavilion on January 31, 2013 in San Jose, California. (January 30, 2013 - Source: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images North America)

The Edmonton Oilers and 23-year-old forward Sam Gagner waited until the last minute to avoid arbitration. The two sides had a hearing scheduled for this morning, but the Oilers announced that they have agreed to a three-year contract.

The deal comes with a $4.8 million cap hit, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie. Gagner was asking for $5.5 million in arbitration while the Edmonton Oilers countered with $3.5 million.

Gagner has never recorded more than 49 points in a single season, but he did well during the shortened campaign with 14 goals and 38 points in 48 contests. He also showed a flash of brilliance on Feb. 2, 2012 when he scored four goals and eight points in a single game. That was part of a five-game hot streak where Gagner netted eight goals and registered seven assists.

With Gagner locked up, he’ll join Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, David Perron, and Boyd Gordon as the only forwards the Oilers have signed to one-way contracts through at least 2015-16.

And a NMC in the 5M years. RT @Bob_Stauffer Gagner gets 4.4M/5M/5M over next 3 years

— Dan Tencer (@dantencer) July 22, 2013