The Edmonton Oilers are searching for a return to the glory days when they were one of the top teams in the NHL. Thanks to players like center Sam Gagner, that return may finally be within reach.
Born in London, Ontario, Gagner considered switching countries to further his hockey career and made the decision to play college hockey in the United States. However, he changed his mind before the 2006-07 season and joined the OHL's London Knights, who drafted him despite his verbal commitment to Wisconsin.
In London, Gagner played on a high-powered line with Patrick Kane and Sergei Kostitsyn that took the OHL by storm. After averaging more than two points a game in his lone junior season, the Oilers snatched him with the sixth overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
Gagner made the NHL team in hi first training camp and had an effective rookie season despite his status as the youngest player in the league. He finished with 36 assists and 49 points in 76 games, and formed an effective partnership with fellow youngsters Andrew Cogliano and Robert Nilsson that looks like it will continue going forward.
Gagner is the son of former NHL forward Dave Gagner and shares his tenacious work ethic. Thanks to his superior vision and hands, his offensive upside is even higher, which has made fans anxious to get their hands on his 2007-08 rookie cards. Autographed cards like his SP Authentic # 213 and his Ultimate Collection # 122 should be popular for years to come.
2007-08 Sam Gagner Rookie Cards
- Be A Player # 236 - #'d to 99
- Black Diamond # 193
- Hot Prospects # 202 - autographed jersey card #'d to 399
- O-Pee-Chee # 540
- OPC Premier # 152 - autographed jersey card #'d to 299
- SP Authentic # 213 - autographed, #'d to 999
- SP Game Used # 197 - #'d to 99
- SPx # 209 - autographed jersey card
- Sweet Shot # 103 - jersey card #'d to 599
- The Cup # 186 - autographed jersey card #'d to 99
- UD Mini Jersey Collection # 117
- Ultimate Collection # 122 - autographed, #'d to 399
- Upper Deck # 218
- Upper Deck Ice # 213 - #'d to 99
- Upper Deck MVP # 354
- Upper Deck Trilogy # 143 - #'d to 999
- Upper Deck Victory # 338