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Gagner (ankle) out for Oilers on Friday

Los Angeles Kings v Edmonton Oilers

EDMONTON, AB - MARCH 09: Sam Gagner #89 of the Edmonton Oilers talks to an official about a call between play against the Los Angeles Kings during an NHL game at Rexall Place on March 09, 2014 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

Derek Leung

The Edmonton Oilers will be without Sam Gagner because of an ankle injury on Friday, as they face a banged-up and desperate Detroit Red Wings team.

Anton Lander will take the 24-year-old center’s spot between Taylor Hall and David Perron, according to Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins.

It’s been an up-and-down season for Gagner, who only has seven goals after posting at least 13 through the first six seasons of his career, including the abbreviated 2012-13 campaign. Gagner’s season started off rocky thanks to a high-sticking infraction by Vancouver Canucks forward Zack Kassian. While plus/minus is a derided stat, it can occasionally at least depict a tough season, and that seems valid enough with Gagner’s -20 mark (especially since his offensive numbers leave a lot to be desired).

Lander, 22, gets a great chance to post his first point of the season between those two potent Oilers wingers. He’s gone 12 games without a goal or an assist so far in 2013-14.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins