Guess who's back? Fan favourite returns to Edmonton Oilers vs Kraken

Guess who’s back? That three-time Edmonton Oilers fan favourite, 22nd on the list of all-time games played for the franchise, and just two points behind Taylor Hall in-all time scoring.

Sam Gagner will check back into the Oilers line-up, after having been out almost a full month, his last game Dec. 21 against the New Jersey Devils.

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Reports NHL network correspondent Tom Gazzola: “Sam Gagner is scheduled to make his return tonight, in for Adam Erne. Stuart Skinner starts in goal against Seattle per Kris Knoblauch.”

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My take

1. In the past many fans would have add Sam Gagner on their list of favourite Oilers. This season you can add me to that list. I was as keen as almost anyone about Gagner in his first year or two, as he seemed to have the skill required to thrive as a top line player. It turned out that was asking too much of Gagner. His passing was strong, but not so much his skating. As for his defensive play, that was a major sticking point. He was too often on the wrong side of his man in the d-zone, so much so that I eventually soured on him as an Oiler.

2. In his second stint with Edmonton, Gagner had a better two-way game, placing much more emphasis on defence, but it’s only now in his third stint that he really admire his game. He’s come a long way as a defender. He back checks hard, defends smartly, and is invariably on the right side of his check. He’s also still got some offensive pop.

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3. He’s also 34, at an age when injury stops many players from performing at a high level. Gagner has been out a month now so he’s got much to prove in this latest comeback. But that’s the story of every NHL player all the time, all of them with much to prove if they hope to ace it in the NHL.

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4. There’s talk of the Oilers acquiring a big tough winger for the fourth line, maybe even bringing in Corey Perry. If that happens, it will limit Gagner’s opportunity. For now, though, he’s back, he’s suiting up for the Oilers, and his massive legion of fans are hoping he’s still got game.