Latest on Sam Gagner, Jamie Benn, Gabe Landeskog & more in this morning’s collection of notable NHL headlines.
Columbus Blue Jackets reportedly close to signing Sam Gagner.
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets are reportedly close to signing unrestricted free agent center Sam Gagner to a one-year contract, The deal coud be finalized on Monday, August 1.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets have around $4.4 million salary-cap space. Gagner, 26, is completing a three-year deal worth $4.8 million per season, but he won’t get anywhere close to that with the Jackets.
While still a versatile forward who can play center or wing with six 40-plus point seasons on his resume, Gagner’s stock is in decline. He managed a career-worst 16 points with the Philadelphia Flyers last season. He could get up to $2 million from the Jackets, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the figure is closer to $1.5 million. The fact this is a one-year deal indicates it’s more of a stop-gap measure by the Jackets to boost their depth at center.
NBC SPORTS: Dallas Stars center Jamie Benn is currently recovering from recent surgery to repair a core muscle injury. However, he expects to be fully recovered in time to play for Team Canada at the World Cup of Hockey in September.
NBC SPORTS: Colorado Avalanche forward Gabe Landeskog regrets his decision to try and play through the pain of a concussion back in 2013. He’s sharing his story with a charitable foundation that focuses on concussion awareness.
DETROIT FREE PRESS: There’s concern that age and a nagging knee injury will continue to hinder Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Kronwall’s performance last season is among the reasons why Wings GM Ken Holland is keen to acquire a top-three defenseman. Should the veteran blueliner continue to struggle, Holland could ramp up his search efforts via the trade market.
Sam Gagner at 2-2 1/2 million might make a goood signing. Struggled last year in Philly but is still fairly young and a decent depth piece for 3rd line. He does have some upside offensively (8 point night in 2012 for the Oilers). Good move for Columbus if the dollars are right.
Shame about Kronwall, love the way he plays.
You love that he’s one of the dirtiest players of all time and has literally ended multiple careers? He can’t go away fast enough.
I don’t sign Gagner even at 1.5 for 1 year. With 4.4 million & needing to fill out 4 roster spots currently unless Gagner takes the league minimum I pass. He blocks out Bjorkstrand advancement & he looked ready to advance to the NHL full time. Should they sign Gagner this is what I see, but I would prefer Bjorkstrand play as the #3 RW.
Jenner, Dubinsky, Atkinson.
Hartnell, Wennberg, Saad.
Foligno, Karlsson, Gagner.
Calvert, Campbell, Clarkson.
Barring trades or injuries. As always move wingers around as you wish, Torts will as do most coaches over the course of the year. Pairings are far more common in the NHL than full lines. Toews & Hossa, Bergeron & Marchand, Sedin & Sedin, etc. with the other winger rotating in & out constantly as injures & coaching dictate.