After many months of rumors and speculation, the Edmonton Oilers have finally traded center Sam Gagner.
He was dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for winger Teddy Purcell, both teams announced Sunday night.
Gagner — the sixth overall pick in the 2007 draft — tallied 37 points (10 goals, 27 assists) in 67 games last season, while Purcell posted 42 points (12 goals, 30 assists) in 81 games. Purcell also fared better from a puck-possession standpoint with a 53.6 corsi-for percentage, compared to Gagner’s mark of 44.2.
From a financial perspective, neither team created much salary cap space.
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At first glance, the Lightning have improved the most with this trade. Gagner should be an excellent third-line center behind Steven Stamkos and Valtteri Filppula. He also gives Tampa Bay head coach Jon Cooper some versatility in the lineup with his ability to produce offensively at center or on the wing.
