It sounds like Sam Gagner may determine his destination for 2015-16 in the near future.
The Columbus Dispatch’s Aaron Portzline reports that the Columbus Blue Jackets are close to signing Gagner to a one-year, one-way deal. Such an agreement might not be made official until Monday, according to Portzline.
After a bumpy season with the Philadelphia Flyers in which he spent some time in the AHL, Gagner must especially appreciate the one-way nature of his next contract.
The Blue Jackets aren’t the only team interested in the 26-year-old, as his name was also connected to the Vancouver Canucks:
It looks like the still-quite-young scorer will get a clean slate after bouncing around and being defined by a bloated contract originally signed with the Edmonton Oilers.
Remember when he broke one of Wayne Gretzky’s records during an eight-point night?
Gagner’s presence could make life easier for the likes of Boone Jenner:
If Gagner is able to center 2nd or 3rd line, #CBJ could move Boone Jenner back to left wing, where coach John Tortorella prefers him.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) July 30, 2016
It’s conceivable that Gagner could enjoy a nice rebound season if used in a specialized, protected role. The Blue Jackets may very well be the right fit.
... And on the other hand, the deficits in Gagner’s all-around game could at least provide some John Tortorella rage and entertainment.
Everyone wins.