Red Wings sign Sam Gagner to one-year contract extension

This morning, the Red Wings announced that they have signed pending unrestricted free agent forward Sam Gagner to a one-year extension worth $850,000.

The 5’11” and 200 lbs centre who was acquired at the trade deadline in exchange for Andreas Athanasiou is coming off an up-and-down season split between the Edmonton Oilers and Detroit Red Wings that saw him register 13 points in 42 games. However, the term isn’t long at all, and given that Gagner turned 31-years-old this summer, the contract extension will provide the Wings with some low-cost veteran leadership on a short-term deal.

What will be interesting to see is how the Wings deploy Gagner this season as he can play at both centre or wing, though he spent the bulk of his time on the wing last season. Regardless, that versatility should allow him to move up and down the lineup the year with hopes of injecting some offence. It’s expected that he will see some time on the powerplay with hopes of kickstarting the anaemic and predictable unit that ranked third last.

Meanwhile, in Edmonton, Andreas Athanasiou has yet to be qualified, and, as a result of cap issues, the Oilers may need to walk away entirely. Despite not having the same offensive potential as the player that was shipped out, it’s easy to conclude that the Wings have won this deal handily.